To most people, flying through the air is something that can only be achieved in their dreams; but for junior Bailey Howard, this is a reality.
Last month, the GRC Track and Field team participated in the KHSAA Indoor State Track and Field competition, and Bailey walked away as the 2025 state champion in pole vault. On top of this
amazing achievement, she also set the overall state record, clearing 12’6”.
“I was really surprised when I learned I could win because I didn’t know what the state record was, and so the official walked up to me and said that my next attempt would be the state record and I almost didn’t believe him,” says Howard. “It meant so much to me to beat the state record because there are so many amazing athletes out there.”
Bailey started her pole vaulting journey in 8th grade, and through years of hard work she was able to advance to the top level.
“I did gymnastics my whole life and it got to a point where I didn’t love it, so my friend’s mom, who used to pole vault, told me gymnasts were typically good at the event and it inspired me to give it a try,” says Bailey. Once I tried it, I really fell in love with it and it all started from there.”
From there, Bailey dedicated herself to club teams and the GRC Track and Field team. That dedication has paid off with her new state record. “Bailey trains with me four days a week, and she also lifts and trains on her own at the pole vault center in Madison County,” says GRC Coach Terry Yeast.
“Pole vaulting is so complicated in a sense that you have to mentally prepare yourself to tackle so many obstacles,” he continued. “Your run down the runway has to be consistent, and going for records means that you have been in the competition for quite some time and that can wear you down. So your focus has to be on point. Bailey does all this so well.”
Pole vaulting is a very specialized and unique sport that combines the elements of speed, agility, strength, flexibility. It also relies heavily on mental strength.
“A big aspect of pole vaulting is the mental part,” says Howard. “You have to have confidence. That’s sometimes the difference between a good meet and a bad meet. So you just have to know what you are doing and be confident in your skills to not be scared.”
That confidence has paid off with Howard. While competing in the state championship, she was able to break the previous state record of 11’6 by an entire foot, and made history by being the first GRC athlete to be the pole vaulting champion.
“Breaking this record means the world,” says Coach Yeast. “It just shows that when an athlete is willing to commit to working so hard that the sky is the limit. Bailey did that and more. I can’t wait to see what she is able to accomplish during the outdoor season. It is going to be a fun and exciting journey.”
That journey includes the New Balance Indoor Track and Field Nationals in Boston. Bailey attended nationals March 13-16, and was able to compete with hundreds of the most elite athletes in the country.
“I’m so thankful for all of the opportunities pole vaulting has given me,” says Bailey. “One of my favorite parts is all of the great people I have met. Being the state champion means so much to me and it’s exciting to see my hard work pay off. I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
