For today's Senior Spotlight, Mississippi MileSplit is featuring the State Champion Pole Vaulter from Presbyterian Christian School, Rachael Barbieri. Barbieri will be competing at Clemson University, an NCAA Division 1 program that competes in the ACC, in the fall. Clemson's women's program just finished placing 33rd at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, and also finished the indoor season ranked #24 in the nation. Off the track, Clemson is the highest rated university in South Carolina, ahead of notable schools such as University of South Carolina and Furman University, and also has an acceptance rate of 51%. Barbeiri will be majoring in accounting in the Fall, and Clemson has a magnificent combined accounting program that helps students get ahead in the graduate program.
Barbieri has a PR in the Pole Vault of 10-6, which she jumped to win her first ever state title in the event. She also made it on the podium in the High Jump, placing 3rd, as well as a 4th place finish in the Long Jump.
Read below to see how Barbieri got to where she is today, as well some advice to the up-and-coming athletes!
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Explain your 'running journey'... (How did you get into running, how did your senior season go, and how did you get connected with the college that you are going to?)
Starting at an early age, my dad, who pole vaulted in college, had me doing drills in the grass. By the time I was in 6th grade, I was the first and only girl pole vaulter at my school. My head track coach, Wayne Williams, also had me compete in high jump, long jump, and sprint relays, but pole vault was always my favorite event. My junior and senior years were probably the toughest because practice became difficult due to the pandemic and the reconstruction of my school's track. Luckily, I made it through all this, and I ended my high school track career with scoring 46 points for PCS in the state championship. The memories and friendships I made during track are priceless, and I knew that I didn't want to stop vaulting after high school. Coach Wayne Williams has connections everywhere, and thanks to his connections at Clemson University I will be walking onto the track and field team for pole vault. I am so thankful for the opportunity and could not be more excited! Go Tigers!!
What is your most memorable meet/race and why?
The most memorable meet for me is the Dauphin Street Vault. Every summer there is a huge street vault competition held in Mobile, Alabama. It is a ton of fun, and I always love watching the pros pole vault at the end of the night!
Out of all your high school achievements, which one means the most to you and why?
The high school achievements that mean the most to me is being named salutatorian of my senior class.
If you could go back and do it all over again, what would you change, if anything?
If I could do it over again, I would make more of an effort to practice more than just 3 months a year.
Who is somebody that you look up to / someone that helped you along your journey to get you where you are today?
Coach Wayne Williams is a legend, and if it weren't for him I would not be where I am today! I also want to recognize my dad for creating the pole vault pit at my school, coaching me, driving me to meets, and being my biggest supporter!
What will you miss the most?
Pole vault practice with my dad!
What piece of advice would you give to the younger athletes that are just getting started on their journey?
Stick with it! There will be times where you feel like you aren't getting any better, but the best athletes push through and continue to work hard.
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