Kristen Sneed '19 Recruiting Profile

With a gymnastics and cheer background, pole vault and high jump seemed the logical next step so I began trying them out in middle school.  Pole vault hasn't been a very active sport in our District, so we worked with what we had, which wasn't much, when it came to equipment and pole variation. Each year has gotten better regarding our support system and equipment. My ability to High Jump was discovered at a middle school District Meet, where I jumped for the first time, unplanned and unprepared, yet landed in first place. I decided to continue both events as I moved into High School. I set a goal to obtain the school record for pole vault which I achieved as a Freshman.  I knew I could do better and I did so by beating my own record the same season and obtaining a new PR. As a Freshman, I qualified for the 4A Regional Track Meet at Sam Houston State University, in both pole vault and high jump.  The experience was eye opening and I walked away disappointed at how close I came to placing in the top 3 for pole vault. My goal for my Sophomore year was to qualify for the 4A Regional Meet at Texas A&M Commerce, place in the top 3 and stand on the podium.  I achieved that goal in High Jump with a career PR of 5' 4" and a 3rd place finish. The feeling of being on that podium, earning that UIL medal and knowing I had reached my goal was exciting, but a new goal had to be set.  My Junior year,  I set a new PR in pole vault with 11" and high jump with 5'7".  The goal for my Junior year was to qualify for the 4A State Track Meet, which I did in both pole vault and high jump.  I placed 5th in Pole Vault and 6th in High Jump.  I know my potential in pole vault and high jump is much greater than my performance at the State Meet, therefore a new goal is set for my Senior track season.   Our district will be dropping from 4A to 3A so my competition variables change as I have never competed with anyone in that division.

I am a well-rounded individual and the first to admit I have struggles in specific areas of coursework, while being very strong in others. Academics hasn't always been a smooth road for me, so I understand what it means to work for goals that aren't accomplished easily. I enjoy how track and field is both an individual and a team sport; it's like getting the best of both worlds, as well as being a part of a small family.

I would like to further my athletic career in college. I improve in my academics and my athletic abilities each year and will continue to do so in the following years. I am confident I can bring heart and personality to a college that is willing to put their confidence, time and energy into my current athletic and academic abilities, as well as my future.

For 3 years our school has competed in the 4A Division but this year, my senior year, we have moved into the 3A Division.   I am very thankful for the college coaches who have expressed interest in me so far and my family and I look forward to visiting those colleges in the near future.

Follow me on my Instagram progress page @ kristen.track.field