King’s College sophomore Jillian Korgeski of Dunmore became the first ever All-American in track and field in just the second year of the program by finishing fifth in the nation in shot put with a career-best and school record throw of 14.12 meters (46’4″) at the NCAA Division III Indoor National Championships on Saturday at the Al B. Carius Track on the campus of North Central College in Naperville, IL.

“It feels awesome,” Korgeski said of her achievement. “I could not imagine it happening but it’s so exciting that it did. It really hasn’t really sunk in yet.”

“I was really thrilled to set a personal record on that throw. Going into the event I knew that I would have to have my best throw to have a chance and I am lucky I did. I am so happy to be able represent King’s like this. All the coaches have done so much for me and with our program being so new I am proud to be able to help get King’s name out there.”   

Korgeski entered the competition seated in 12th place and with her personal best throw successfully moved into 5th place.

“We are very happy for Jill and extremely proud of her as she has a tremendous work-ethic and it paid off today,” said King’s head coach Mike Kolinovsky.  “For our program to have an All-American in just our second year means a lot and it’s an accomplishment we don’t take for granted. It’s incredibly difficult to do and Jill is a testament to the hard work that our athletes and coaches have put forth. We are also grateful to have such an excellent throwing coach in Bernie Bieski and he deserves a lot of credit for helping Jill to reach this level.”

Jillian is a sophomore in the Physician Assistant Program with a 3.62 GPA. Jillian is also a member of the King’s College Volleyball Team. Korgeski will now enjoy her tremendous accomplishment and look forward to the outdoor season in which King’s will which began on March 25 .