The 2025 high school track and field season promises exciting pole vault performances from athletes who showcased impressive heights in 2024. These returning vaulters are ready to soar even higher, pushing the limits of high school pole vaulting.
Here’s a look at the top 25 returning athletes based on last season's outdoor performances, ranked by their highest mark in 2024.
Height: 17-9.5
School: St. Christopher’s (VA)
Class: 2026
Notable Meet: XHPV Summer Series Meet 1
Overview: Leading the returning field, Olesen’s 17-9.5 vault has positioned him as a top contender. With two more years in high school, he’s likely to make national waves.
Height: 17-2
School: Bloomington (IL)
Class: 2026
Notable Meet: Nike Outdoor Nationals
Overview: Whitaker continues to show immense potential. A strong performance at the Nationals sets him up as one to watch for national record contention in the future.
Height: 17-1
School: Macon High School (MO)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: Kansas Relays
Overview: Harland’s consistency and athleticism have kept him at the top. With his experience, he’s likely to break even more personal and state records in 2025.
Height: 17-0
School: New Richmond (OH)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: OHSAA Division 2 Region 8
Overview: Known for his technical skill, Harrison's steady improvements signal big achievements for 2025.
Height: 17-0
School: Phoenix Country Day School (AZ)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: AIA Track and Field State Championships
Overview: Novak’s performance has elevated him into the elite vaulter category. Look for him to challenge the competition this season.
Height: 16-9
School: Pittsburg (CA)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: Sacramento Meet of Champions
Overview: A consistent performer, Muhammad’s agility and speed make him a standout, and 2025 may be his peak season.
Height: 16-8
School: Argyle (TX)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: GHS Mustang Relays
Overview: Young has been one of Texas’s finest vaulters, and his versatility makes him a competitive force across meets.
Height: 16-8
School: University City (CA)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: CIF State Track and Field Championships
Overview: Anderson’s discipline and drive set him apart. He’s already proven himself among California’s best.
Height: 16-8
School: Joaquin (TX)
Class: 2026
Notable Meet: UIL Region 3-2A Track & Field Championships
Overview: This young Texan continues to climb in the ranks, promising an exciting future with multiple seasons left in high school.
Height: 16-6
School: Camas High School (WA)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: WIAA State Championships
Overview: McGee is known for his high-energy approach and remarkable consistency, which could propel him further in 2025.
Height: 16-5
School: Queen Creek High School (AZ)
Class: 2026
Notable Meet: Westwood Hohokam Invite
Overview: Wasson’s upward trajectory indicates even higher heights. His 16-5 vault has made him a fixture in Arizona’s pole vault scene.
Height: 16-4
School: Katy Cinco Ranch (TX)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: Will Taylor Relays
Overview: Clark has proven his skills at several major meets, and his focus on technique may be his ticket to hitting 17 feet.
Height: 16-3
School: Warwick Valley (NY)
Class: 2026
Notable Meet: Friendship Games
Overview: Beattie’s strength and form are remarkable, and he’s one of the few in New York pushing the limits.
Victor Moreno – 16-2, Liberty High School (CA), Class of 2025
Noah Roberts – 16-2, Franklin High School (TX), Class of 2025
Eli Parker – 16-2, Canyon Ridge (ID), Class of 2026
Tanner Bishop – 16-1.5, Hillcrest High (AL), Class of 2025
Jackson West – 16-1, Watauga High (NC), Class of 2026
Davis Avery – 16-0, Summit High School (OR), Class of 2025
Ryan Olsen – 16-0, Chatfield High (CO), Class of 2026
Evan Fuller – 15-10, Trinity Catholic (FL), Class of 2025
Brody Scott – 15-9, Ruston High (LA), Class of 2025
Caleb York – 15-8, Olathe East (KS), Class of 2026
Samuel Flores – 15-8, St. Mary’s Prep (MI), Class of 2025
Trent Hodges – 15-8, Southridge (IN), Class of 2026
As the 2025 high school track and field season looms, there’s a unique air of anticipation surrounding the boys’ pole vault event. This season’s roster includes a dynamic mix of returning stars, record-chasers, and breakout talents poised to make their mark. From Texas to Illinois, these vaulters carry with them not only remarkable stats but also compelling stories that elevate them beyond just the numbers on the leaderboard.
Take sophomore sensation Victor Olesen, who’s already brushing up against 18 feet, or Illinois’s Isaiah Whitaker, a family-trained phenom with one of the best high school vaults in the country. They’re joined by cross-discipline athletes who sprint just as well as they vault and All-Americans who’ve been racking up medals on some of the nation’s biggest stages. And then there’s the fierce state rivalries, especially among Texas's six high-flying contenders, whose passion fuels epic competitions every season.