Abbey Hardman signed her letter of intent to pole vault for the National Collegiate Athletics Association Division II Berry College Vikings last Friday, during a ceremony at Pickens County High School.

Surrounded by family and friends, Hardman inked a scholarship to the only school she applied to, an institution that she said will help her both academically and athletically.

“I wanted to pick my college before I went and pole vaulted, so that I could focus on my academics more than anything,” Hardman said.

The senior Dragonette has placed twice in the state track meet, during both her sophomore and junior years, in the pole vault. Her vault during her sophomore year was 9′ 6″, while her junior year state height was 9′. Hardman says her personal record is 10′.

A cheerleader her entire life, Hardman’s interest in the pole vault blossomed late into her academic journey.

“I had never even thought about track, honestly,” Hardman admitted. “One of the pole vault coaches, Coach Langley came to me and he knew that cheerleaders and gymnasts are usually pretty good at pole vault. So, I just tried it and I loved it.”

 

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