how to get recruited for Pole Vault
The Stars of The Event
The pole vault is an event that combines speed, strength, and incredible technique to propel athletes to breathtaking heights. The list of all-time greats is topped by "Mondo" Duplantis, the Swedish-American vaulter who has set multiple world records and continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, recently jumping 6.29m in Budapest, Hungary. He has surpassed the legendary Sergey Bubka, who dominated the event for years. On the women's side, Yelena Isinbayeva of Russia holds the world record and is a true icon of the sport. In the collegiate world, programs at the University of Arkansas, the University of Washington, and the University of Virginia Tech have a strong reputation for producing elite pole vaulters. Other schools with solid programs include UCLA and BYU, consistently developing top-tier talent in both men's and women's pole vault.
Division 1
For high school athletes dreaming of a Division 1 pole vault career, hitting certain heights consistently is essential for recruitment. For men, a top-tier scholarship offer from a major D1 program typically requires a vault of 16' or higher. However, many D1 schools will consider athletes who have cleared a height between 14'6" and 15'6" for a roster spot, with some offering partial scholarships. For women, an "Elite A" level vault for top D1 programs is above 13'0", while a height of 12'0" can still get you a walk-on or roster spot at many schools. These are not just participation metrics; they are the marks that show a coach you can contribute to a championship-level team.
Division 2
NCAA Division 2 provides an excellent opportunity for high school athletes to continue their pole vaulting careers at a competitive level. The recruiting standards here are still very high, but slightly less demanding than at the D1 level. For men, a vault of 14'6" or higher is generally what coaches are looking for to be considered for a scholarship or a top roster spot. A vault in the range of 13'0" to 13'6" may still be enough to land a spot on the team. For women, a competitive mark is around 12'6", with some schools considering athletes who have cleared at least 9'6" for their teams. Many D2 programs offer partial scholarships and are a fantastic choice for athletes who want to compete at a high level while pursuing their education.