ERIN KELLEHER

Philly Jumps Club, Philadelphia, PA

Coach: Brian Mondschein

Erin Kelleher graduated from high school this past spring, and while she is now enjoying life as a freshman at Virginia Tech, her legacy endures at Philly Jumps Club.

Erin jumped 13’4” as a junior, but her senior year brought many challenges: Covid, quarantines, illness, injury, and the death of her school track coach. For a time, Erin faced adversity after adversity. But even from the sidelines, or through bad days, she was always there for the other girls, and she managed another All-American placement in the indoor season.

Erin started pole vaulting with Coach Brian Mondschein as a lazy 12-year-old. She used to feign fatigue to quit practice early. But, as her love for the event grew, so did her work ethic. Erin became the first one to arrive at practice and the last one to leave. Stepping into the role of club leader, Erin pushed younger athletes through tough times. She applauded their successes and showed them what is possible.

Erin’s career is a high school vaulter’s dream: 7-time state champion; 7-time national championship qualifier; 2-time All-American; and Delaware state record holder.

In Coach Mondshein’s words, “Erin is the reason our young athletes are so far ahead and have such high goals. They have seen what hard work brings through her. She is someone I could always count on to guide the young kids. I will coach other great athletes in the future, but I am hard pressed to believe that anyone will have a larger impact on the culture of pole vaulting at PJC. Erin Kelleher embodies everything any coach could ask for, and she will be greatly missed as she continues on at Virginia Tech.”

Photo credit: Philly Jumps Club