NEW ORLEANS, La. - Indiana University Kokomo throws coach Grant Gaylor has been named the 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Women's Assistant Coach of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
Gaylor earns the national honor following another historic season for the Cougar throwing program, helping lead IU Kokomo to a fourth-place finish at the 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, the highest finish in both program history and River States Conference history.
In his fifth season on the IU Kokomo coaching staff, Gaylor coached junior Sydney Duncan to one of the most dominant championship performances in NAIA history. Duncan swept the shot put, discus throw, and hammer throw national championships at the 2026 NAIA Outdoor National Championships, becoming the first athlete since 2006 to accomplish the feat.
Under Gaylor's direction, Duncan also swept all three throwing events at the River States Conference Outdoor Championships while setting meet records in shot put, discus, and hammer throw.
The Cougar throwing group continued to shine throughout the outdoor season, consistently ranking among the NAIA leaders and strengthening IU Kokomo's position as one of the nation's top programs in the throws.
Freshman Mia Bustos also made an immediate impact in her debut season, narrowly missing a spot in the national shot put finals by one position. Bustos finished 10th overall and emerged as the second-highest finishing freshman in the event across the NAIA.
Before joining the coaching ranks, Gaylor was one of the most accomplished student-athletes in IU Kokomo track and field history. He captured the 2021 NAIA Outdoor National Championship in shot put, earning the first national championship in IU Kokomo Athletics history.
Gaylor's leadership has helped elevate the Cougar throws program to national prominence, with IU Kokomo continuing to produce conference champions, All-Americans, and national title contenders under his guidance.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the IU Kokomo Cougars, fans can visit IUKCougars.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Cougar news by following @IUKAthletics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
