Kamalpreet “KP” Padda, an All-American in the Discus and Hammer throw for the University of Oklahoma, rejoined the UC Davis track and field program as Throws Coach in 2024.
Padda brings an extensive and impressive throwing background to UC Davis, having also represented India at the Asian Track & Field Championships and the 2010 & 2014 Commonwealth Games. As a post collegiate thrower, he earned numerous national championship titles for India in both the Hammer and Discus. He achieved a personal best of 72.86m in the hammer throw at the Tucson Elite Classic which qualified him for the Commonwealth Games. His throw is still the leading mark for India.
Padda had great success with the Aggies from 2014-2021. During this time, he coached a school record holder, had 9 NCAA West Region Qualifiers, 11 Big West Conference scorers, and 19 UC Davis Top 10 All-Time Marks. From 2011-2013, prior to joining the Aggies, he assisted Fresno State Track & Field and represented India at international competitions.
He competed collegiately at the University of Oklahoma from 2009-2011 and served as team captain. He was an All-American in the Hammer, Discus, and Weight throw. In the spring of 2010, after winning the indoor weight title, he won OU’s first ever Big 12 Conference Title in the hammer. In 2011, he won another round of back-to-back titles and achieved school records in both Hammer (218 feet, 10 inches) and Weight (70-8.25). He earned his undergraduate degree in 2011 and still holds the Indoor weight record today. Prior to competing at OU, he competed at Fresno City College where he achieved 3 California Junior College State Champion titles in the hammer throw (twice) and discus.
