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Spencer Homes Female Athlete Of The Month: Tigers' Joi Story Wins 3A Shot Put State Title

The Edwardsville senior captured first place at the IHSA state meet in Charleston with a clutch championship-round throw, adding another milestone to her decorated track career.

Chris Rhodes, Reporter

May 23, 2026 12:11 PM May 23, 2026 12:26 PM

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Joi Story of Edwardsville.

CHARLESTON — Edwardsville senior Joi Story won the shot put title Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the 3A IHSA State Track and Field Meet, taking first place with a toss of 13.52 meters, or 44 feet, 4.25 inches, in the championship round.

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Jaloni Wiley of Homewood-Flossmoor finished second with a toss of 13.45 meters.

Story, a previous state discus champion for Edwardsville, said her approach has centered on consistency rather than chasing marks.

Story is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers.

“I have been working hard, and I have been trying not to focus much on the numbers,” Story said. “I have tried to stay consistent with my training and let the results speak for themselves.”

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Story said high expectations have added pressure during the season.

“I think I always feel the pressure to perform with our team also being ranked so high,” she said.

Winning the shot put title marked a different achievement for Story after her success in the discus as a sophomore.

“It is different to be winning in shot put after success in discus,” Story said. “I am still figuring out the balance.”

After securing the championship, Story said the victory brought relief.

“It is a weight off my shoulders winning the shot put championship,” she said.