Natalie Hobbs '24 Recruiting Profile

I am currently ranked the #1 women’s pole vaulter in San Diego County in the 17-year-old age bracket and have excelled academically at Cathedral Catholic High School. My goals are to pole vault at the collegiate level and become a surgeon.

My athletic journey began in gymnastics where I competed in trampoline and tumbling and relished the thrill of always being up-side-down. It’s a sport where physical ability is matched with timing and precision.  In ninth grade I saw my first pole vault pit in South Carolina. At that time, knowing absolutely nothing about the sport, decided that was what I wanted to do…it just looked like fun. When I get stuck on an idea, I never back down because I am an incredibly determined person who won’t take no for an answer.  I entered high school a year later and my pole vault journey and a new chapter of my life was born.

Pole vault is a progression and since entering high-school I have progressed more than a foot and a half per year, including club and school season. Specific Pole Vault coaching at Cathedral was limited so I sought out specific coaches and club programs such as Mike Wagenveld, Doug Bouma, and Pat Manson and absorbed all the knowledge they have given me. I like to call this my sponge mentality; I soak up whatever techniques I can to apply it to my vaulting. I believe in the event of pole vault one will never be done learning, which is one of the aspects that keeps me engaged and loving the sport. I am always eager to learn more. Pole vault is not only physically demanding but also mentally challenging, and who doesn’t love a good challenge?  I have found that my sport provides life skills that aid me not only on but off the runway. The importance of discipline, patience, perseverance, and the ability to manage demanding situations are aspects of pole vault that will help me in my future life endeavors. The sport of pole vault has also given me some of the greatest friendships I will ever have. I have never experienced a community so helpful, kind, and like a family.

I am currently the pole vault captain at my school which has allowed me to develop my leadership skills. On any given day at practice, you can find me helping my teammates and teaching others the sport. I received the Coach’s Award for pole vault two consecutive years for my passion and dedication to the event and our team. On my club team in Escondido California, North County Pole Vault, I am currently on our Woman’s Elite team.

Beyond the runway and pit, I am a high achieving student with hobbies and talents. I use my determination and passion for learning in the classroom where I am recognized by Cathedral for my outstanding GPA of 4.0 or higher for six consecutive semesters. I enjoy pushing myself to the limits by taking challenging courses and focusing on others that fall into my desired major of pre medicine. I am also an AP art student and metal smith. I have had my metal sculptures and jewelry displaced in the GROFF art exhibit at San Diego City College for two consecutive years and striving for a third.