For junior Julia McLain, qualifying for the WIAA Division 2 State Track and Field Championship in pole vault at UW-La Crosse is a result of her years of dedication, patience, and hard work that she put in. McLain earned her spot at state after clearing 9 feet and 6 inches at sectionals, which helped her secure her place with Wisconsin’s top pole vaulters.
Her Journey
Before joining the track team, she had spent about 12 years as a gymnast. Her introduction to pole vault came from Bradley Schuster, a former New Berlin West business teacher and current pole vault coach. After learning that she and her twin sister Lauren had a lot of gymnastics experience, he encouraged them daily to come out for track and just try the pole vault out.
“With the support and encouragement, I ended up at track practice learning to vault and have stuck with pole vault ever since,” McLain said.
Learning with Challenges
Over the past three years, pole vault has taught her valuable life lessons that go beyond athletics. One of the most important lessons she had learned was maintaining a positive mindset, even when things did not always go to plan.
“I’ve learned that my attitude affects everything. If I have one bad jump, I can’t bring the negativity into my next one.”
McLain said that pole vault has tested her mentally as much as it has physically. “One of the biggest challenges for me has been being patient with my progress,” she said. “Success doesn’t come overnight but gradually over time.”
State Time
All of her effort paid off when she earned a spot at the state meet. For her, qualifying represents much more than a single accomplishment.
“Making state shows me that all my hard work paid off,” she said. “It showed me that all the nights I stayed after everyone else left were worth it.”
McLain said that her goal going into the state meet was to enjoy her experience and appreciate how far she had come. After competing against some of Wisconsin’s best pole vaulters, she said that the experience she had gotten was rewarding and gave her memories she will carry with her after high school ends. She says her favorite part of track remains the people that support her along the way, and how the track team has become her second family.
