Winter Park senior Nicole Breske was third at the 4A state meet in 2015 and came away on a mission to finish with a gold in 2016. Breske having a PR of 11'7.75" in hand, quickly shot out of the gate with jumps of 12'1, and 12'2 in separate meets, before hitting 12'4" at the Brian Jaeger Elite Classic to cement herself at the top of the state rankings. We caught up with her to talk about how she got started in the sport, the 2016 season, and much more!
Flrunners.com: How did you get into pole vaulting?
Nicole Breske: Coach McWilliams told me freshman year that I should try it. I ended up jumping for just a few weeks and then I actually quit because I didn't like it
FLR: Why didn't you like it?
NB: Actually my old coach Kerry Farr, taught me my freshman year but I didn't have the patience to learn. I was actually better in the hurdles so I quit and focused on them. Then I went to Jimmy Carnes in 2015 to compete in the 200m and 60m hurdles and when I looked at the pole vault, I actually thought to myself I'm going to start pole vaulting again because I want to be that girl that everyone is impressed by when she jumps. So when sophomore year started, it took me a bit before I went back to it, but I saw the pole vault pit open and asked my coach, Mark Rose, "can I start pole vaulting again" and he said yeah of course and that was the start of my road back to pole vaulting.
FLR: So both Mark Rose and Coach Cashman coach you? Do you remember your first meet?
NB: Mark Rose and Cashman both coach me. Rose is great wire the sprint workouts and the basics in pole vault, but I learn most of my technique from Cashman. I improved so fast with him because I had the basis and speed to get better. For my first meet I remember I cleared 5'0, but I was a mess, flying all over the place to get over that bar.
FLR: From 5'0 to 12'4. What have you improved over the years?
NB: That's definitely a huge improvement. When I started with Cahsman summer into junior year, I was at 7'6 and by the end of summer I was jumping 10'0 at the JO in Iowa. It is such a frustrating sport that almost tempts you every time you vault to quit. Practice after practice I try focus on some small aspect of the vault and even the smallest part takes so much time to perfect. Once you get that you have to remember it when you begin working on another part.
FLR: You also do the 4x100m relay and several other events. Is it almost like those events serve as an escape from PV when you get frustrated?
NB: I actually hate running after a bad day pole vaulting. Some people use it as an outlet, but for me I don't like it. I actually just started running 4x100m at TFA just as a test to see if I still had the sprinter in me and our team ended up beating the old team's seasonal best. Now I've been put in it for sure.
FLR: So you like the 4x1?
NB: I kind of like it. I like actually being apart of that team and sticking together even when the handoffs don't go perfectly.
FLR: Your mark of 12'4" is 15th all-time in the state of Florida. Did you ever envision when you wanted to quit and you cleared a crazy five feet, that this is where you'd be in your senior season?
NB: I never thought about that at all. It ls crazy! I did think to myself though when I asked Coach Rose if I could start again that this would be the moment I remember, the moment I chose to go back to pole vault and become great. Now, last year when I was supposed to win state and ended up tying for 3rd was really a breaking moment for me. It was definitely a humbling experience and I've been my best about staying humble with all of my achievements. If people ask me or point them out I accept it, but other than that I don't tell people about breaking records or doing well.
FLR: Take me back to last year and that state meet in particular.. Did that kind of motivate you to do better in 2016?
NB: I don't know if I'd say it was motivation. When people heard how I did they'd say don't worry that'll just motivate you to work harder and get it next year. I don't work that way. I learn from my failure, but I wouldn't say I'm motivated by it. At district I got a PR of 11'7", in regionals went 11'0", and state 10'6", so gradually declining my performance when it become crucial was hard to accept. I had the summer season though to get back on top and prove to myself that I could get that 11'7" again
FLR: You're a senior. How has your recent success helped with recruiting and what has the college process been like for you?
NB: Well, I really have no clue where I'll end up this fall which is kind of scary, but I have been contacted by a few DII schools. I'm still leaving my options open. My dream would be to vault at UT Knoxville, but unfortunately they aren't looking for vaulters now. I am very thankful for the support from my parents and my coaches and everyone who has been helping with the college search.
The Low Down
We wanted to get the scoop on Nicole both on and off the track.
FLR: What are some things people might not know about you?
NB: Let's see some things I like are rock climbing and kayaking a lot. I also love to watch rugby and hockey. I've been to so many Solar Bears games this year. I am also in the IB program at WP.
FLR: If you weren't pole vaulting what would you be doing?
NB: I'd be hurdling.
FLR: What is your favorite pre-meet meal?
NB: Slurpees.
FLR: What is the last movie you saw and what'd you think about it?
NB: The Longest Ride. I'm absolutely obsessed with cowboy and in love with rodeos.
FLR: What is the best advice you've ever received and who gave it to you?
NB: "Always stay humble and kind." - My Mom.
FLR: What athletes do you look up to and why?
NB: I look up to Tim Tebow because he is very successful and practices his faith even though people tear him down for it. Also, Jenn Suhr because of how amazing she vaults.