The 2014-2015 school year has provided some great highlights in both cross country and track across the Sunshine State. In the coming weeks many of our seniors will head out to start their college careers both athletically and academically. We wanted to salute them one more time in this special feature and say thank you for your support over the years.
What was your most memorable race/moment?
My most memorable moment was pole vaulting a new PR of 12’ 6” on my third attempt at the Golden South Classic in Orlando this year. My dad and I drove directly to the track meet from my high school graduation earlier that morning. Another memorable moment was last August when I got PR’s of 11’6” and 12’ at the Jacksonville Athletic Club Street Vault.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Nati Sheppard and Nicole Carroll have been my biggest competition over the past few years. We were all in 2A and went to many of the big meets, so there was great competition at each of those. Also, Nikki Vandervelde was great competition in Jacksonville my junior year.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment would be breaking my high school’s pole vault school record 10 times since my freshman year. I tied the school record as a freshman at the district meet jumping 9’ 6” and broke it at State just a few weeks later by jumping 10’.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
Nothing, I loved every minute of it, even through the ups and downs.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
It took me 6 months and countless attempts to get from 11’ to 11’6”. It was very frustrating, but when I finally made it I felt great.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss many of my teammates, especially all of the pole vaulters who I got to know the best. I will also miss my coaches, who have helped me so much.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
I would tell them to just keep persevering. There will be times that it will not be fun, but when you do well it makes all the bad times become worth it.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
My first high school pole vault coach was Ira Welborn, who’s a legendary coach that taught me a lot about pole vaulting. I also learned a lot from Eli Sunquist, who started a track club in Jacksonville that has been invaluable to my track career. He helped me with not only pole vaulting, but also with finding the right college to continue my track career.
What are your college plans?
I will be pole vaulting at the University of South Florida.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank my parents for taking me to so many track meets and always supporting me. I would also like to thank my high school head coach Dan Dearing, my first pole vault coach Ira Welborn and my current pole vault and club coach Eli Sunquist.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Track has taught me so much about hard work and perseverance. I am so thankful I participated in track in middle school and high school. Track has created so many great memories for me!
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