Keira Hight

Flicky Stick Pole Vault

Coachability. That is Keira Hight’s strong suit.

‘As a coach you want your athlete to focus on the task at hand, be open to change, seek feedback, accept failure as a learning opportunity, and strive to execute on instructions to the best of their abilities,” says Coach Kurt Hess. “Keira Hight is truly coachable and is a pleasure to have at Flicky Stick.”

A junior at Sequoyah High School who is dual enrolled at Kennesaw State University, Keira is a busy student athlete who is also a triple jumper, cheerleader, a member of the Beta Club and the National Honor Society.

Keira pushes herself and trusts her coaches, but she struggled early on. Her freshman year was cut short due to Covid and she grappled with motivation. Her fire for pole vault reignited once she reestablished a practice routine and saw improvement.

Placing second at the GHSA 6A state championships and winning the county meet last season are two highlights of Keira’s career.

In a tune up competition for County, Keira suffered from painful shin splints. Coach Hess permitted her to take one jump and said she needed to choose wisely. Keira entered the meet at 9’6, cleared it, and went for 10’6. With ease, she jumped 11’1” and went on to win the pole vault and the triple jump at the county meet. She has since improved her personal bests in both events: pole vault 11’8.5” and triple jump 35’3.75”.

Keira is working on staying on the pole longer at the top of her vault. Coach Hess sums it up: “With Keira’s work ethic and positive attitude, she will reach higher heights and succeed in anything she sets out to do.”

Photo provided by Lacey Hight.