Salute to Seniors, Olivia Moore of Pickens County

Today, we salute Olivia Moore of Pickens County HS. The pole vault specialist just completed a great career in the event. She finished out with a PR of 13-07, which she jumped at the GHSA 4A State Championships breaking the 4A state record. Also, she is now the #2 Girls Vaulter in Georgia HS history She had a great indoor senior season, highlighted by a victory at the Dunamis Super Meet, where she jumped 12-6.25 for the win.



What was your most memorable race/competition? 

My most memorable meet was the GHSA State Championship this year. I have been lucky enough to attend the State Meet all four years, but I have not been able to secure a first place finish until this year. I jumped a personal best of 13'7" and set a new championship record, which meant a lot to me because I was having a tough season beforehand. 

Where did you face your biggest competition?

I faced my biggest competition at New Balance Nationals in Greensboro last summer. It was really different from any meet I had competed in before, and I was surrounded by some of the best vaulters in the nation. 

Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most? 

The accomplishment that I am the most proud of is maintaining a 4.0 GPA while in high school. Any student-athlete knows that balancing academics and sports can be difficult, so I am proud of my hard work. 

If you could do it all over again, what would you change about your athletic career in high school?

I wouldn't change anything. I feel like everything that happened, happened for a reason and I am really happy with how things have turned out. 

What will you miss the most?
  
Next year, I will really miss the support that Pickens County has given me over the years. Growing up in a small town has given me a community and support system like no other. I have had coaches, teammates, teachers, and friends cheer me on throughout my athletic career and I am really thankful for that. 

Do you have any advice for younger athletes?

I would tell any younger athlete to be patient and to trust the process. It is easy to expect success immediately, but it rarely happens that way. Don't give up if things aren't working out at the moment. Sports, just like everything else, are made up of a series of highs and lows - and neither of them last forever. Keep showing up and working hard, and good things will come. 

How have your coaches influenced your performances and your life goals overall?

My coaches have played a huge part in my successes. They believed in me (especially during the times I didn't really believe in myself) and have pushed me to be the best that I can be. They have taken the extra mile to be more than a coach, and have been my friends and mentors over the years. They are the reason I realized pole vaulting could be more than a fun pastime, and that it can lead to a future I would have never expected. 

What are your post-high school plans?

I will be attending and pole vaulting at Georgia Tech in the fall. 



Shout-Outs?

I would like to thank everyone that has helped me along the way, especially:

Coach Wells, White, Faix, Edmondson, and the rest of the coaching staff at PHS

Coaches Robbie, Hess, Mike, Arnold and the rest of the Georgia Pole Vault family