State Champion spotlight: Taylor Lenentine Messalonskee
Senior Taylor Lenentine won her first individual state title as she captured the Class A title with a 10-0 clearance. We caught up with Taylor to ask a few questions about her preparation before the meet, her mindset on meet day, and what made her choose the pole vault.
What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
Unfortunately, I was not able to prepare as much as I would like to for the state meet. My school does not have a track, so I am only able to practice pole vaulting once a week for 2 hours sharing the pit with 7 other schools. Winning Pole Vault has always been a huge dream of mine and when I put my mind to something I give 110%. I took time out of hanging with my friends to throw in a few more practices to only improve as an athlete.
How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
I am a religious person, so I put all the pressure into the hands of God. I know that what will happen is what is suppose to be and I go with the flow. Sometimes at meets you will catch me with my pole in my hand, eyes closed, praying to God for the power and strength I need to compete in the meet and then I thank him for the opportunity to be able to compete.
The pole vault is one of those events where you have to be fearless, what made you choose that event?
Before I was a Pole Vaulter, I was a gymnast. When I retired from gymnastics, pole vault was the next crazy thing to try. I really enjoy listening to people question my sanity as a pole vaulter. I mean, who picks up a pole and allows themselves to be launched 10 feet in the air. Many people also say that Pole Vault is a guys sport and I love to prove them wrong. I enjoy showing people that a girl can do everything a guy can and more, as long as they put their heart and soul into it. Pole Vault was just the next crazy sport I wanted to try and it stuck!
Coming into the season what were your goals and did you achieve them?
For the past couple years I was seated 1st in states, but for some reason or other it did not come out that way. This was my last year to do it and so I made it my goal to achieve it. Also as a captain of the team, I wanted to be able to leave my team with an important message and I think I was able to do that. My team knows me as the girl who falls over the hurdles but manages to not place last. I hope they realize that even though something does not go the way you plan it to, you keep pushing through and do the best you can.
How do you think winning an individual state title will effect you heading into outdoors?
I think that people will see me as the girl who is number one in state and that is fine for me in indoor, but I do not wish for that in outdoor. Each season is a new season and you never know what is in store for you. I hope all the girls look at me as just another competitor, competing for the same thing they are. If I make it to the top again, it is a blessing.
Lenentine's Pole Vault Progression
- 2015 Indoor 10-0
- 2014 Indoor 10-0
- 2013 Indoor 8-0
- 2012 Indoor 7-6
2014-15 Results
| 10-0 | 1st | 2015-02-16 | Class A Indoor State Championship | » | |
| 10-0 | 1st | 2015-02-07 | KVAC Championship | » | |
| 9-6 | 1st | 2015-01-09 | KVAC Indoor Track & Field League Meet # 6 | » | |
| 10-0 | 1st | 2015-01-03 | KVAC Indoor Track & Field League Meet #5 | » | |
| 9-6 | 1st | 2014-12-30 | KVAC Indoor Track & Field League Meet # 3 | » | |
| 9-6 | 1st | 2014-12-20 | Bowdoin Relays | » |