School Record Holder for Pole Vault Off to Bloomington
“When I visited Indiana University, the atmosphere immediately felt like home.”
Isabel German committed to D1 Indiana Last Month
Justin Scott - Sports Reporter
3 Dec. 2024 - Appeared in the Nov. 20th Ledger
Lowell’s best pole vaulter ever has her sights set on a state championship this spring, for now though, she can rest easy with her school decision behind her. She joins Owen Segorski (wrestling, Michigan State), and Jackson Blum (wrestling, Indiana) as the third student-athlete in the Class of 2025 to go D1 in their sport. She committed to the University of Indiana this past week.
“When I visited Indiana University, the atmosphere immediately felt like home. The coaches and the team were amazing. Everyone was welcoming and kind, making me feel like I truly belonged. The campus was also incredibly beautiful,” German said of her decision.
The top team in outdoor women’s track and field was Arkansas, who won the national championship. 4.52 meters led the women’s pole vault in the Big Ten Championships, a mark set by Tori Thomas of Illinois who competed in the Olympic Trials. That mark is about 14.8 feet.
“Michigan State University was another school I was highly interested in. I’ve grown up as an MSU fan, and the coach and team there were great. However, I found myself feeling happier at IU. Concordia University in Nebraska was also a wonderful option, with great people and opportunities. If it weren’t ten hours away from home, it would have been a more difficult choice,” Isabel added.
A 12’9” pole vault won the MHSAA championship in division one for the girls last year. FHC’s Brooke Bowers completed that as a senior before moving onto GVSU for Track & Field. Her sister, an incoming sophomore, and German, are expected to duke it out this year for the pole vault title. German has successfully completed a 12’9” pole vault and finished as state runner-up last year tied with Aubree Bowers (FHC).
Competitions and training outside of school are particularly important for field events like pole vault. Event types like these aren’t something you can usually practice for in your backyard.
“I train for pole vaulting at Landon Athletics, where I go twice a week. I absolutely love training there. Even if I have a bad practice, I leave feeling better than when I arrived. Competing in out-of-season competitions is a great way to become more comfortable with competition, and it has helped me feel more confident at meets. Attending larger meets is also beneficial for building a resume of accomplishments that coaches consider,” German added.
Track & Field is a sport that is held both indoor and outdoor in college. Isabel also participated in bowling, golf, soccer, and basketball at various times throughout her high school years, but track & field has been the one constant.
“I feel so blessed to continue the sport I love in college. I owe this opportunity to God, who has given me the gift and passion for pole vaulting. I hope to share His glory through my sport and inspire others along the way. I’m thankful to my family and my coaches for supporting me and helping me along the way,” Isabel concluded.
