Kate Thomas '17 Recruiting Profile

I say "yes."  I said "yes" to try pole vault when I had no gymnastics background. I said "yes" to traversing over a raging river, during a tornado warning, hanging on a wire cable.  I said "yes" to trapeze during a lightening storm! (These were under the supervision of an extremely reputable pole vault coach whom I trusted.)  I am on my high school's surf team and was the first girl to ever compete for my school. I said “yes” even though I’m not very good, to be honest. I even tried to do a handstand for extra points!

Academically, I am a solid student. I check my grades every day. I get help if I don’t understand. I’m usually the group leader in class.  I am confident about being successful academically in college because I am bright, I honestly love to learn, and most importantly I work hard.

Every single jump matters to me, whether it’s in practice or competition. Something can be learned from everything, especially mistakes. I have a small business selling (and giving away!) almost 10,000 bracelets that read, "I am enough." I own the trademark for these words on bracelets. I strongly believe the message “I am enough” needs to be embraced by teen girls. When someone believes they are already “enough” you feel anything is possible, without fear, and say "yes."  

I love my pole vault teammates. We call ourselves the "pole pals." We have fun together, and support each other, in and out of practice.  I am looking forward to extending my pole vault family to my college team!  Something about pole vault and the people who do it.... I can't imagine a life without these kind of people and this kind of high. :)