One of the most exciting things is seeing freshman and sophomores make the big leap into high school and then onto the state championships. It usually is a process that takes time and is different for all athletes. You will have some athletes who jump right to the top and then face competition later and then others are forged in the fire of defeat for years before making it to the top.
Here are just a few of the athletes we think could be the future stars of the pole vault in Virginia.
Avery Yancey (Hermitage)
VA #1 Sophomore - 13'0"
Avery leads the way for sophomores and actually ranks highly in the entire state right now. He hails from the pole vault powerhouse of the Richmond region where academies and good practice locations are common. This means he is in great hands and has the ability to adapt and improve.
Mason Schalasny (New Kent)
VA #2 Sophomore - 12'6"
Joining Avery as the only other sophomore over 12 feet is Mason. He, just like Avery is going to have some great coaches helping him improve. New Kent has had numerous state champions over the years and Mason will look to etch his name on that list.
Isaac Williams (Hanover)
VA #1 Freshman - 10'3"
Maybe you're sensing a theme... great coaches and great access to pits. That is the case with Isaac Williams who has jumped a monster 10'3" as a freshman. He leads his classmates and will look to improve more as the season progresses.
Jax Hilmandolar (Blacksburg)
VA #2 Freshman - 10'1"
Finally someone not from Richmond or right outside of Richmond. Jax though joins the same line of thinking that good programs or academies really help with that early development. That is the case at a program like Blacksburg that has so many talented assistant coaches that they could run a program to a state title themselves. When you have that type of help it allows you to focus on the niche disciplines and excel.
Haddie Knight (Trinity Episcopal)
VA #1 Sophomore - 10'9"
She has already faced some good competition this season, there of course is a lot of it near Richmond. She is the lone sophomore over ten feet this season and could come close to breaking eleven! She is definitely an athlete to watch.
Lily Ziebert (Jamestown)
VA #1 Freshman - 9'3"
The only freshman over the nine foot barrier is Lily. She leads the way having cleared that height at the Bay Rivers District Meet three weeks ago. She is already doing big things but certainly has more goals on her mind. With the right coaches and execution she could come close to 10 feet this season.
One of the most exciting things is seeing freshman and sophomores make the big leap into high school and then onto the state championships. It usually is a process that takes time and is different for all athletes. You will have some athletes who jump right to the top and then face competition later and then others are forged in the fire of defeat for years before making it to the top.
Here are just a few of the athletes we think could be the future stars of the pole vault in Virginia.
Avery Yancey (Hermitage)
