Burroughs vaulting during the 2023 Outdoor Track Season
Photo credits: Piper Saunders
Senior Olivia Burroughs is an outstanding pole vaulter at Watauga High School who has been pole vaulting throughout her entire high school career.
“My freshman year, I started out only as a thrower,” Burroughs said. “I liked watching the vaulters at practice, but I was nervous to go over and try. Coach Yandle walked me over to the pit one day and introduced me to the coach, and ever since then I have been a vaulter.”
Burroughs’s athletic background helped her transition to pole vaulting.
“I was a competitive gymnast for years prior to starting, and a lot of the skills transferred over nicely,” said Burroughs.
Olivia had held a record of jumping 10 feet and 9 inches, and even though she already had an awe-inspiring record, she had goals to achieve higher.
“I would love to be able to jump 11 feet or higher,” Burroughs said. “Also, I would like to qualify for Outdoor States again in the spring.”
Burroughs already achieved one of her wishes when she competed in the Indoor Track State Meet and jumped 11 feet immediately, breaking her previous record.
Track and Field is Burroughs’s main sport, but during the offseason she has been keeping her skills sharp by running cross country, doing sprint training, and continuing with throws and vaulting. Many influential people have inspired Burroughs’s training during her time at the high school, but one coach who stands out to her is Coach Neff.
“One time, when we were talking on the bus, he told me stories about coaching, and how rewarding he felt that it was,” said Burroughs. “He told me that he wished that I would become a coach one day, because he felt that it was the most impactful thing that he had done in his life. He was always proud of his athletes, no matter the competition results. He valued the learning experiences and growth more than winning.”
Burroughs had a strong relationship with Coach Neff and she will continue to remember his words of advice, working hard for Neff, herself, and for her team.
“He not only knew and cared for every athlete he coached, but was a friend and family member,” said Burroughs. “I am so happy that I was able to learn from him during his time at the high school, and I will never forget seeing his bright smile and hearing his contagious laugh every day on the track.”
Burroughs has not made a decision about continuing with pole vaulting after high school, as it depends on which college she decides to attend.
“I would love to be able to vault in college,” said Burroughs. “I really love it.”
We are all excited to follow along with Olivia and see her accomplishments to come.
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