CLUB HUB Havana Layton

Havana Layton gives new meaning to the term, raising the bar.

Equally passionate about swimming and pole vaulting, Havana embraced both sports. In the fall, the Naples High School senior will trade Florida’s sunshine for the University of Vermont’s winter clime, where she has committed to compete in the two disciplines.

Havana is a two-time Florida State Runner-Up in the 100m freestyle who made it to states in the pole vault after her first year in the event. With a PR of 9’4.25”, Havana’s biggest struggle has been injury; she missed her junior season due to stress fractures in her fibula and tibia. Still, Havana leans toward optimism and took up the role of team photographer while recovering.

“Havana’s work ethic and persistence is what separates her from her competition. She would come to practice in her walking boot and do drills such as the Swing-Up Rack, pole drops, walking pole drops, high bar drills and a lot of core work. Havana brings a positive attitude and mindset to practice every day and will make sure she out works every other athlete out there!” says coach Cecil.

Havana is working on a consistent plant and runup. She is focused on ground work and box drills and trusting her coaches that her step is correct.

Life lessons abound in pole vault and Havana has learned that even when you do not succeed, you should not give up. Failing is an opportunity to reevaluate how to improve upon oneself so the same mistake is not made again.

Outside of pole vault, Havana is the Senior Class President and a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She loves to hang out with friends, go to the beach, and is currently learning how to play the guitar!