Strength in Pole Vault by Anastaisa

Strength in Pole Vault by Anastaisa - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

When I first started pole vaulting, I didn’t take it seriously. It was just another field event. Something I did to help my team score points. That mindset changed at one particular track meet, a moment I still remember vividly.

I stood at the start of the runway, preparing for my jump. The bar was set at six feet, and beside me was a large group of athletes. They weren’t from my team, yet they supported me all the same. As I began my run, I heard their clapping steady, then faster as I accelerated down the runway. When I cleared the bar, the crowd erupted into cheers. In that instant, something clicked. I realized that if I truly committed and worked hard, I could become something great in this sport.

From that moment on, I worked relentlessly to improve. I was driven by a hunger to prove, to myself and to others, that I was capable of greatness. That single moment influenced my growth tremendously. I began putting in the work both on and off the track, committing to tailored workouts and healthier eating habits. Last season, I set a new personal record of eight feet. Although I only cleared that height once, the challenge only fueled my determination.

This season, I strive to come back better. While I didn’t take pole vaulting seriously at first, the belief others showed in me, without even knowing who I was, changed everything. I now aim to do whatever it takes to stand on the podium at state. Last season’s disappointment still burns within me: hitting the bar, scratching my first attempt, and ultimately finishing last at state. But through hard work, trial and error, and growth, I’ve learned from that moment. I’m proud to say I won’t make the same mistake again.