BLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech Director of Track & Field and Cross Country, Dave Cianelli, announced the signing of eight athletes for the 2013-14 season including these pole vaulters.
Emma King Ijamsville, Md. | Oakdale Pole Vault
The No. 1 pole vaulter in Maryland throughout her high school career, she is a multi-state champion both in indoors and outdoors successfully defended both titles this year. In 2013, she set both a personal record and the all-time Maryland state record when she vaulted 13-3 this year. The mark is currently eighth in the U.S. in the 2013. Pole vault coach Bob Phillips on King…”Emma is an outstanding athlete with a strong background in gymnastics as well as in the sprints, but her biggest asset is her determination. There is a drive and desire in her that you just can’t teach and I’m excited about working with her.”
Kristen Lee Raleigh, N.C. | Wakefield Pole Vault
The highest prep vaulter to ever come out North Carolina, Lee holds the state record with a mark of 13-5, which she set earlier this year. The vault ranks fifth nationally in 2013. This year, she won both the indoor and outdoor state championships. Lee finished sixth at the 2012 New Balance Indoor Nationals. She was coached by Spencer Frame, director of Kinesis Dynamic Athletics. Pole vault coach Bob Phillips on Lee…”Kristen is a quiet but determined athlete who is just now realizing what she is capable of in this event. An excellent technician, she will be an outstanding addition to what will be one of Virginia Tech’s strongest squads yet.”
Olivia Privitera Framingham, Mass. | Marian Pole Vault
One of the top all-around gymnasts in Massachusetts, Privitera’s training as an elite gymnast along with excellent speed is a combination that will help her as she transitions to the pole vault. Pole vault coach Bob Phillips on Privitera… “We’ll redshirt Olivia during her first year, but she has all of the tools needed to be a great pole vaulter and it should be fun to watch her progress in the event.”
