Josephine Held '18 Recruiting Profile

After being a competitive gymnast for 6 years, I decided to take up pole vaulting.  Gymnastics taught me the discipline, commitment, leadership, and teamwork factors that I believe are important to not only pole vault, but every day life.  After experiencing a 6-month long wrist injury the summer after my 8th grade year, I feel I grew much more as a person.  Not being able to pole vault for an extended period helped me focus my priorities on strength, conditioning and nutrition, as they were the variables I could impact.  The experience helped me to learn how to push myself, but also how to stay positive during difficult circumstances. 

So far, the highlight of my high school career has been the 2016 State Championship Track and Field meet where I placed 2nd after being seeded 5th among a very competitive field.  I have been fortunate to be a part of a great team that has helped me to reach my goals of being the best student-athlete I can be.  I am looking for a college that will fit my academic goals as well as my athletic goals.  My long term academic goal is to become an optometrist, specializing in pediatrics, as I love to study math and science.  I believe that I have the work ethic, commitment, and discipline to make an impact on your program.  As a team captain, I believe I have what it takes to be a leader on your team!