Aaleiah Porter-Gyll '24 Recruiting Profile

Hi, my name is Aaleiah, and I pronounce it "A-LAY-YA." After I finish high school, I'd like to attend college as a student-athlete and study Environmental Science. I have a deep passion for the great outdoors, and my ultimate career goal is to work for the National Park or Forest Service. Growing up, my family took us on summer road trips to many of our great National and State Parks, and I quickly learned that being outside was more than a hobby; it was a way of life! I love to stay active and explore nature when I'm not studying or training. I'm an avid hiker, and you can often find me hiking one of our local trails or paddleboarding on one of our lakes. 

I was a competitive figure skater and U.S. Figure Skating Association member for ten years. As a freshman in high school, I began pole vaulting (a latecomer by any standard), but I've worked hard and grown continuously. The 2023 outdoor season began and ended well! At our first meet (almost a year to date), I broke my previous PR by 1". Small gains - I know - but training hard during the off-season helped me to put on some muscle and move to a bigger pole. I worked on my 6-step throughout the year and ultimately took 3rd at State with a new PR of 11'. That got me invited to the Great Southwest T&F Classic representing Utah, where I tied for 3rd, matching my PR. Overall, Utah took 2nd place at the meet! To top off the season, I competed at the Utah Summer Games at Southern Utah University and finished in 2nd place. I'm currently ranked 4th in Utah for HS girls.

Over the summer, I worked as a Youth Crew Intern with the US Forest Service in the Panguitch Utah field office, part of the Dixie National Forest. My team was responsible for various projects such as monitoring wildlife and vegetation, restoring and clearing trails, maintaining recreational facilities, and assisting with managing visitors. Now, I'm a senior at Herriman High School and studying Natural Resource Management at the Jordan Academy for Technology and Careers (JATC). The JATC program is a partnership between Utah school districts and Salt Lake Community College, which provides students with opportunities to learn professional and technical skills in various career pathways. 

My goal in three years is to be well into my major while working part-time in the outdoors. As an athlete, my goal is to become a conference champion pole vaulter.

I'm a quick learner, willing to work hard, and understand the importance of being part of a team!

Thank you for reading my bio, and I look forward to working with you!

https://ut.milesplit.com/athletes/10100734-aaleiah-porter-gyll