The 2025 high school track and field season is set to deliver spectacular pole vault performances, with returning athletes who achieved remarkable heights in 2024 aiming even higher. These vaulters have shown they have the skill, determination, and athleticism to push the limits of high school pole vaulting for girls across the nation. See the Top 25 Boys list here.
Here’s a look at the top 20 returning athletes based on last season's outdoor performances, ranked by their highest marks in 2024.
1. Hannah Grace
Height: 14'5.25"
School: Coastal Christian HS (NC)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: USATF U20 Championships
Overview: Grace’s 14'5.25" vault at the USATF U20 Championships positions her as the top returning vaulter. Her fierce dedication and technical prowess make her a strong contender to set new records this season.
2. Veronica Vacca
Height: 14'5.25"
School: Mount Saint Joseph (PA)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: Vault Factory’s National Lazy Day Meet
Overview: Vacca's incredible season performance solidifies her status among the elite. With her raw athleticism and dedication, she’ll be one to watch in 2025.
3. Mya Strahm
Height: 14'1.25"
School: Elmwood (IL)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: IHSA Girls T&F State Championship
Overview: Strahm’s state championship vault highlights her technical skill, making her a fierce competitor and a possible state record-breaker.
4. Addison Kleinke
Height: 14'.5"
School: Churchill (OR)
Class: 2026
Notable Meet: USATF U20 Championships
Overview: A sophomore sensation, Kleinke has immense potential with three years left to rise in the ranks. She could easily break the 14-foot mark by senior year.
5. Jaicee Jasmer
Height: 13'6"
School: Sulphur Springs (TX)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: UIL Region Championships
Overview: Jasmer’s regional win showcases her as one of Texas’s best, and her powerful take-off and technique could push her past 14 feet this season.
6. Paige Echsner
Height: 13'6"
School: Del Norte (SD, CA)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: Del Norte @ San Marcos
Overview: Echsner’s polished technique and calm demeanor on the runway make her one of California’s standout vaulters.
7. Lilyana Carlson
Height: 13'5"
School: VaultWorX-Pole Vault (PA)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: New Balance Nationals Outdoor
Overview: Carlson’s achievements at New Balance Nationals highlight her as one of the top contenders in Pennsylvania.
8. Landry Allen
Height: 13'4"
School: Hanford High School (WA)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: Pasco Invite
Overview: Allen’s state-record-setting performances are bringing her national attention, and she’s expected to be a major competitor this season.
9. Annie Kerr
Height: 13'4"
School: Mountain Brook HS (AL)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: AHSAA State Track and Field Championships
Overview: Kerr has established herself as Alabama’s top pole vaulter. Will she be attending Samford after high school?
10. Julie Segroves
Height: 13'4"
School: Biloxi High School (MS)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: FI2024
Overview: Known for her unwavering focus, Segroves has emerged as a leading talent in Mississippi.
11. Madison Townsend
Height: 13'2.25"
School: Westminster School (GA)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: Christian Coleman Invitational
Overview: Townsend’s consistency and high-level performances make her Georgia’s top vaulter.
12. Hannah Byrd-Leitner
Height: 13'2"
School: Moorestown HS (NJ)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: NJSIAA State Meet Of Champions
Overview: Byrd-Leitner’s technical skill and drive make her a top competitor in New Jersey.
13. Elizabeth Dowdy
Height: 13'1.5"
School: Maclay School (FL)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: Chiles Capital City Track & Field Classic
Overview: Dowdy is a rising star in Florida with a quick ascent in the rankings.
14. Jacqueline Jones
Height: 13'0.75"
School: Inglemoor Senior High School (WA)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: Nike Outdoor Nationals
Overview: Jones’ experience at Nike Outdoor Nationals solidifies her status as one of Washington’s finest.
15. Kylie Neira
Height: 13'0.25"
School: DeLand HS (FL)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: Florida Relays
Overview: Neira’s technical skill makes her a formidable presence in Florida’s vaulting scene.
16. Kailen Kramer
Height: 13'0.25"
School: Oceanside Collegiate Academy (SC)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: SCHSL Region Championships
Overview: Kramer’s steady progression makes her one of South Carolina’s top vaulters.
17. Reese Wolfe
Height: 13'0"
School: Chatham (Glenwood, IL)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: Girls CS8 Meet
Overview: Wolfe’s refined technique and mental discipline put her among the top competitors in Illinois.
18. Jacelyn Neighbors
Height: 13'0"
School: Royse City (TX)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: UIL State Championships
Overview: A strong presence in Texas, Neighbors’ competitive edge makes her one to watch.
19. Ella Galloway
Height: 13'0"
School: Pine Bush (NY)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: Rondout Valley Gander Invitational
Overview: Galloway’s focused determination makes her one of New York’s top vaulters.
20. Emily Cloutier
Height: 13'2"
School: Mustang High School (OK)
Class: 2025
Notable Meet: OSSAA 6A Regionals
Overview: Cloutier is a standout in Oklahoma, demonstrating impressive skill and determination.
North Carolina Showdown: Hannah Grace is the overwhelming favorite, likely aiming to break the state record this season.
Texas Rivalry: Texas will host a thrilling battle between Jaicee Jasmer and Jacelyn Neighbors at the UIL State Championships, both of whom have personal bests above 13 feet.
Addison Kleinke (OR), the youngest in the top 25, has tremendous potential with multiple years left to climb the ranks. Expect her to reach heights well over 13-7 in her next seasons.
Pennsylvania’s Powerhouses: Vacca and Carlson lead a strong class of vaulters in Pennsylvania, each with their eyes on state and national achievements.
High-Flying Families: Landry Allen and Jacqueline Jones come from families that emphasize athletics, adding extra motivation and support to their success on the runway.
Nike Outdoor Nationals: This premier meet will feature Hannah Grace, Veronica Vacca, and Jacqueline Jones, who are likely to push each other to new heights.
USATF U20 Championships: Expect to see top performers like Hannah Grace and Veronica Vacca aiming to surpass their 14-foot marks again, as they build experience against top-level competition.