BY LUCY PRITCHETT
PHOTO BY MELISSA DONALD

In middle school, Shelby joined the track team but didn't really have an idea of what to do. “One of the other girls handed me a pole and said 'Take this and run and jump.' I did and ended up winning the meet.”

So started the pole vaulting career of this young athlete from Dallas who attends University of Kentucky on a track scholarship.

“Track is an individual and team sport. You compete individually, earn points, and the team that gets the most points wins.”

Her workout focuses on weightlifting. “It is important to have upper body strength and strong legs to get a fast running start. I work out with the team eight to 10 hours a week and then three or more on my own.

“Pole vaulting definitely gives me an adrenaline rush. My coach knows I want to compete in the Olympics after college, and I would like to travel and compete in other countries such as France and Italy.”

And when she has to put the pole down? “I am majoring in communications. I want to be a sports anchor for ESPN.”