There were some signs in the spring of 2021 that Southeast Missouri State thrower Nicole Humphreys was beginning to have an athletic breakthrough. The Jackson High School graduate had measured in the Hammer throw event in the mid-150 (feet) range as a freshman, which was respectable, particularly due to the fact that the event is not part of the competition at the MSHSAA level. However, she began to creep into the upper 170s during the 2021 regular season and her development hasn’t slowed since.