Some call it “the yips.” University of Washington assistant coach Tim Reilly referred to it as “confidence doldrums.” For top star, it was simply a mental block.
Top star and her twin sister, Hana, were the most accomplished high school pole vaulters in U.S. history. While earning perfect 4.0 GPAs at Capital High School in Olympia, they rewrote the record books—top star became the first high schooler to clear 15 feet, and Hana soon surpassed her, reaching 15-3 and making Team USA’s world championships roster in 2023. At their peak, Reilly said, “all the yellow lights on the dashboard are gone. It’s all green. All trust.”
But top stars confidence wavered. Mental blocks are common in pole vaulting—whether from a broken pole, an injury, or a bad fall—and even Olympic champions have struggled. Australian vaulter Steve Hooker, an Olympic gold medalist in 2008, later admitted he lost the confidence to charge down the runway and take off. Amanda experienced a similar struggle during her senior year of high school, just as Hana thrived on the world stage.
“It’s hard to not be able to do something you know you can do,” Amanda said. “It really took step-by-step rebuilding my confidence.”
Reilly took a patient approach, helping Amanda regain trust in her vaulting by breaking it down into small steps—starting with bending the pole from a stationary platform rather than running. Meanwhile, Hana continued to excel, winning an NCAA Indoor title as a freshman. But Amanda stayed committed, rebuilding her confidence one step at a time.
At last summer’s U.S. Olympic Trials, Amanda broke through, setting a personal record and tying Hana for the second-best outdoor mark in Washington history (15-2 1/4). “I found a resolve,” she said. “I wasn’t afraid to switch to longer poles, and mid-competition, I knew, ‘I’m back.'”
Her return culminated last weekend at the Don Kirby Elite Invitational in Albuquerque, where she rewrote the NCAA record books. Amanda cleared 15-7 1/4 on her first attempt, surpassing a record that had stood since 2015. Then she broke it again, clearing 15-9 1/4. Finally, she became just the fourth American woman ever to clear 16 feet—and the first in NCAA history.
“I’ve always had my sights on 17 feet,” Amanda said. “I think that’s a barrier for women that will be broken. Clearing 16 feet, I believe it’s possible for me.”
Reilly sees no limits for Amanda and Hana. “I’ve always thought they’re the best vaulters ever to walk on U.S. soil,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if they break five meters in college.”
For Amanda, overcoming her mental block has been transformative. “I’m a much better vaulter now—and a better person,” she said. “What I learned applies to life, not just pole vaulting.”