A freshman with big goals, Riley Williams entered the track in 2022 with the hopes of a state placement. With that being such a pivotal year for her journey in pole vault, Williams earned 7th place at the State meet later that season.
“My freshman year was amazing”, said Riley Williams. “I would never take any of it back”.
Following Williams freshman year, she was riding a high with a state title and PR of 12 feet. Although, this momentum fell short due to a mental block throughout her sophomore year. This became a constant battle for Williams and she’s still digging herself out of this hole.
Riley has expressed the mental and physical toll pole vault has brought her. Whether it’s the strain on your body from not completing a jump correctly, or the struggle to get yourself to do the jump itself.
“It’s a very technical sport and a lot goes into it especially strength”, said Riley Williams. “Almost everything has to be perfect to get a PR”.
For Williams, she knows this is the reality of the sport. The only way to fulfill her dream of jumping in college is by leaving her mental block in the past.
“My biggest goal right now it to get back to where I was my freshman year”, said Riley Williams. “I am doing training outside of school on my own and trying to build some strength back”.
While Williams is determined to reach her full potential and surpass where she was her freshman year, her teammates and coach recognize the effect it has had on her.
“Honestly it’s mostly been her perseverance through practice”, senior teammate Olivia Maynard said. “Seeing her take jumps more often than last year”.
