By Angela Brunk
At Blue Valley High School, senior Amelia Hansen is entering her final track and field season with momentum, confidence, and ambitious goals. A standout in pole vault, Hansen is equally excited about expanding her role on the team by competing in the 4×1 and 4×4 relays, embracing every opportunity to contribute alongside teammates who continually push her to improve.
Hansen’s rapid rise in the sport is especially impressive considering she only began pole vaulting last year after 14 years in gymnastics. In that debut season, she quickly established herself as one of the best in the state, earning Kansas 6A regional and state titles, placing fourth at the KU Relays, and the Nike National Emerging Elite champion pole vault. She also finished the high school season ranked No. 2 in Kansas, with a personal record of 13 feet.
Her offseason preparation has been intense and focused. Training with Olympus Vault Academy, Hansen follows specialized workouts designed to refine vault-specific skills. She has also emphasized strength training and technical drills, working to perfect details such as her bottom arm position and improving her swing through the pole, key elements that can elevate her performance to the next level.
Heading into the season, Hansen has her sights set high. She aims to break her school record, clear 13’6”, and potentially challenge the state record of 13’9”. Just as important to her is the team’s success, as she hopes to help foster accountability, unity, and a championship mindset in the hopes of the team winning state.
After graduation, Hansen will continue her athletic and academic journey at the University of Kansas as a member of the track and field team, where she plans to study exercise science and pursue a future in occupational therapy.
