(Photos courtesy of Will Anguish)
Nicole Breske won the 4A pole vault state championship with a personal best of 12'6. Prior to the meet she had cleared 12'0 six times this season. You'd think college coaches would be clamoring for Florida's best vaulter right? The Winter Park senior says the recruiting process wasn't exactly what she thought it would be.
"I was hoping throughout season I would get more offers which I did but it wasn't until the last half of season that FSU got on my radar. Everyone would tell me how stressed they would be if they waited that long to decide, but I knew I would end up where I'm supposed to, and that it would all work out."
Breske was originally eyeing several out of state schools like the University of Alabama, however out of tuition played a factor, and her options became in-state USF, and FSU. In the end, she decided that wearing the garnet and gold was the right decision.
"I decided that the 2nd day of the state meet with my coach Bill Cashman's help and that same day on my drive home, the FSU coach, Coach Nobles, called me and said that he would send over the letter of intent for me to sign. I would say that winning the state title was icing on the cake. I don't know if it necessarily closed the deal with FSU, but it did make a great ending to my high school season."
One problem with the FSU signing for Breske is that she comes from a house full of Gator graduates. With four siblings who went to the school to the east of Tallahassee, she says she is the odd Nole' out.
"There are a few jokes here and there about it. It is not as bad as I thought I would be honestly. They will get a Seminole shirt! Overall, it just feels good to have a place where I will be spending the next four years. I wasn't sure how things would all pan out, but I am excited to become a DI pole vaulter."
The future Nole' will be joined in Tallahassee by another Central Florida, Olympia's Summer Schafers. Breske considers herself a dedicated athlete who is willing to put in the work necessary to be the best. She adds after practicing three times a day over her high school career, it feels great to have that work recognized.
"Ending my senior year with that state title and a PR was everything I imagined. Considering my 3rd place finish last year and this year being my last high school season, I wanted it more than ever. Now that I finally have it, I am more than thankful for everyone, coaches, parents, teammates, for encouraging me and recognizing the work I do put in. I could not have asked for a better ending to a fantastic season!