KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- John Brown senior Evie Scoles has officially qualified for the 45th annual NAIA Women's Indoor Track and Field National Championships, the NAIA National Office announced Wednesday.

The NAIA national championships will take place Feb. 27 through March 1 in Gainesville, Fla., at the Alachua County Sports & Events Center, with the women's shot put competition scheduled for 10:30 a.m. March 1.

Scoles, who is making the first national championship appearance of her career, secured her spot with a career-best throw of 43 feet, 7 inches at the Pittsburg (Kan.) State Crimson & Gold Invitational in December, earning the final qualifying position.

Scoles, a transfer from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., has been a standout for JBU since arriving in her sophomore year. Her journey to nationals has been defined by persistence and steady improvement, with multiple career-best marks leading up to her breakthrough qualifying throw.

"My journey has been interesting," Scoles admitted. "I started my freshman year at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, but my heart was always set on John Brown. I transferred during my sophomore year and had the wonderful opportunity to grow in both faith and skill while learning under the coaches here."