West Allegheny’s Kaitlyn Eger is set to Vault High Standards

Dec 20, 2022

Kaitlyn Eger has been a full-time pole vaulter for the past five seasons.

The summer of her 8th-grade year, Eger attended a pole vault camp at Slippery Rock University, and ever there, she fell in love with the event.

"I watched the West Allegheny high school pole-vaulters compete when I was in 8th grade and learned the warm-up that summer from my coaches," explained Eger. "I haven't stopped learning about the Pole Vault since that day."

Eger has gone above and beyond this offseason to finish her high school pole vault career on a high note. She practices at the Vault Shack in Lawrence County twice weekly, runs to keep her cardio up, and never misses a weight room session.

West Allegheny Head Coach Jim Hamilton has seen Kaitlyn make big jumps from her sophomore to junior year.

"Kaitlyn is special because she keeps her cool and doesn't seem to get worked up while under stress, and keeps her emotions in check," said Hamilton. "She is also a good 60-meter and 100-meter high hurdler."

Eger believes being mentally robust, consistent, and goal driven are three essential aspects of the pole vault. She goes into each meet with smaller goals which will produce more rewards in relation to her success during the season.

"The pole vault is an event where it's hard to stay positive. At each meet, I set myself up for different goals instead of a number goal. I have goals where I try and fix something," explained Eger.

Coach Hamilton added, "I don't want to predict places, but if she is on her game physically and mentally, she can compete with the best in the state."