Virginia Miller, who grew up on Vashon, impressed at the Pac-12 Track & Field Championships held at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field from May 13 to 15.

Miller, a senior at Stanford University, won in the women’s javelin with a throw of 178’6” (54.42 meters).

“This year was my year,” said Miller in a phone interview, who had also just placed 7th nationally at the NCAA West Preliminary Round at the University of Arkansas. “[It] feels really good to finish the year on a good note.”

She will return to Hayward Field for the Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships, which will be held from June 8 to 11.

Miller said she particularly enjoys javelin as it requires a balance of both strength and technique, and she loves having the opportunity to compete.

Miller has been competing in javelin since high school, and also competed in Junior Olympics with her father, Foss Miller, coaching her.

Foss has also had a storied javelin career – he attended East Wenatchee High School where he set a high school national record in the event. After graduation, he chose to attend Washington State University where he continued to compete in javelin and also set a school record in the event while there.

Currently, Foss works with Vashon students on the track and field team, as the javelin, discus, and shot put coach for Vashon Island High School.

Foss said he is as proud as he can possibly be of his daughter, stating she’s done everything “with a lot of hard work.”

Virginia has already accomplished much in her javelin career.

Last year, she participated in the Olympic trials for the Tokyo Olympics and finished sixth. At Stanford, Virginia is listed as number four on their all-time list in javelin.

“I’m always amazed at her accomplishments,” said Linda Sferra, Virginia’s mother, adding that her daughter’s latest achievements were the “icing on the cake.”