Regina Cavanaugh, Rice: Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame, Class of 2024

Regina Cavanaugh’s contributions to collegiate athletics, particularly in the shot put, set a new standard for excellence. At the 1987 NCAA DI Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Cavanaugh not only secured her third consecutive outdoor title but also made history as the first female athlete to win three championships in any event in meet history. This achievement, combined with her three NCAA DI Indoor crowns, places her among the most decorated athletes in the sport, with her total of six NCAA titles being surpassed only by the legendary Michael Carter.

Cavanaugh’s prowess was not limited to winning titles; she also set an indoor collegiate record with a throw of 17.67m (57-11¾) in 1986. Her dominance was on full display in her final collegiate competition, where she won by a margin of two feet. Cavanaugh concluded her illustrious career with the three longest throws ever recorded at the DI Outdoor Championships, setting a benchmark for future generations. Her achievements also marked a significant milestone for Rice University, as she became the first woman from the institution to win a national title in any sport.