Iowa Senior Throws Her Way Into Record Books

Rachel Haack knew she'd thrown something special before the shot put even hit the ground.

The City High senior launched a career-best 45-9¼ at the Forwald/Coleman Relays last Thursday, shattering the school record she'd already broken earlier this season. The throw ranks third in Iowa and caps off what's already been a stellar senior year for the Colorado State commit.

"You can kind of feel it when it comes out," Haack said. "I was kind of celebrating in my head a little bit before it hit the ground because I knew it was good."

But here's what makes this story even better. Haack doesn't think she's done improving.

She's already eyeing distances that once seemed impossible. Her next goal? Pushing past 47 feet, maybe even 48 or 50.

"I definitely don't think that this will be my highest," Haack said. "I think anything is possible in throwing, especially in rotational shot put."

The secret to her breakthrough season isn't just raw power. It's consistency.

In previous years, Haack's throws varied wildly from meet to meet, even attempt to attempt. This year, steadier performances in practice translated to confidence in competition.

Why This Inspires

Rachel's story shows what happens when years of practice finally click into place. She's been building toward these moments since her freshman year, learning from inconsistent throws and trusting the process.

Her attitude makes the achievement even more special. Instead of celebrating and relaxing, she's hungry for more improvement with state qualifiers just a month away.

At the same meet, Haack also won the discus with a throw of 144-9. Earlier this month, she posted a career-best 148-1 in that event, ranking fourth statewide.

The Drake Relays at Drake Stadium in Des Moines are up next. With her momentum building and the biggest meets of the season approaching, Haack is peaking at exactly the right time.

She's proof that records aren't endpoints but stepping stones to what comes next.