I joined in freshman year; several in my family before me were runners so I wanted to do the same.
Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
Bethany Dumas, Cony '08.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
Becoming the #2 all-time girl's pole vaulter in Maine.
How has track and field impacted your life?
I cannot imagine what my life would look like without track and field. This sport has taught me to be dedicated, resilient, and hard-working. It has strengthened my social skills and independence. Most important to me is how every success and trial of my sport has strengthened my faith and led me closer to my Lord and Savior, Jesus.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
I've been managing a metatarsal stress fracture all through senior year. I missed two months of quality training-every moment of the injury is heartbreak to me, but through the process, I have matured as an athlete. I was able to return for the second half of the outdoor season and continue where I left off.
How do you prepare for competitions?
I pack all my gear and food the day before and get good sleep. I try to stay calm right up until I warm up for my event so that I can funnel all my energy into competing. I avoid all superstitions and routines around clothing or food, reminding myself that my success is not dependent on anything other than me.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of track and field?
I love sailing in the summertime, cooking and baking, following professional track & field, and having fun with my extended family.
What are your college plans?
I will attend Roberts Wesleyan University to study biomedical science. As a part of the track & field team, whenever I'm not studying I will be training to be the best pole vaulter as possible.
What are your long-term goals?
My goal is to be the best pole vaulter I can be, no matter what it takes. Academically, I hope to go to graduate school and become a sports medicine doctor or researcher.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank Coach Boudreau of Freeport for introducing me to opportunities and sparking my love of pole vault; thanks to Reece Perry of Freeport for encouragement throughout the past two years of training. Thank you to my Morse coaches-although they may not know the technicalities of pole vault they have been extremely supportive of me, which has made all the difference. Thank you to my parents, especially my dad who is always ready to help with whatever I need-we've made this journey together! Thank you also to David Slovenski at Vault Camp and to Patriot Pole Vault Club.
Thank you, Coach John Hoogasian-you taught me to think and act like a champion (truly, confidence is a choice). Thank you for the coaching sessions at USM and for converting me to Spirit poles!
Thank you, Coach Paul Snyder- you have taught me everything that has gotten me to where I am now. Nothing would have been better for my development than getting to train with you.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Never limit your expectations of yourself-if you can dream it, you will put in the work to achieve it. You do not know what is possible until you try.
Never let bad weather, sickness, or a less-than-optimal state of mind be an excuse for not putting in your best effort... some of my best performances have been after pushing through these conditions.
