GHS NEWS

Senior Ainsley Miller Sets School Pole-Vaulting Record, Qualifies for States

Reporter Savannah Elias

Senior Ainsley Miller is soaring to new heights, literally! The track and field athlete recently set a school record for pole vault, as well as a personal record for the indoor 300 meter dash. This is her most recent event accomplished, qualifying her for states once again. Last year she made her school proud with a rank of 5th place in the States meet.

The road to states has not been easy. Miller has battled shin splints for a long period of time. She also pulled her hamstring following the end of hockey season this year, which had set her back quite a bit. Miller has been out recovering a lot this year but she's still on a path to succeed. Miller says that it feels awesome and it's a great feeling to have all her hard work pay off. She mentioned the feeling of huge relief and she can't wait to break her personal record again.

Miller said she got started in her career by her "mother making me run track in 8th grade." She was a distance runner and "it was terrible," Miller recalls. She made a deal with her mom and track coach that if she was allowed to come out and try the pole vault that, she would keep going back to track practice every day. Millers mother and her coach agreed to it. Here Miller is today breaking her personal record and keeping a deal with her mom and her coach, it's amazing!

Miller states that she comes from a family of talented athletes, the older Miller siblings are known for setting records and breaking PRs all around the block. Miller admits that "it does affect my lifestyle and the way I perform.” Miller elaborated that she "is definitely just trying to beat my siblings in any way possible.” The ongoing family competition is what gets her out there to keep pushing them and herself.

Long time friend and former neighbor Eden Smith says Ainsley has been running since she could keep two feet on the ground. Eden stated that Ainsley would have her fetch all the stray field hockey balls that missed the goal during practice in her front yard when they were younger.

“[Miller] was born to be an athlete, but she is also one of the kindest and smartest people I have ever met,” Eden elaborates.

We are all wishing Ainsley Miller a successful senior year for both her academics and sports career.