LEXINGTON, Ky. — Cornell junior Avery Hilliard secured a spot at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships after advancing through the women's pole vault at the NCAA Division I East First Round on Thursday evening at the University of Kentucky, making her the first female pole vaulter in Cornell program history to do so.
Hilliard cleared 4.27 meters to finish among the qualifying group and earn a trip to Eugene, Oregon, in June. Entering the regional competition seeded 22nd in the East with a season-best clearance of 4.28 meters, Hilliard became Cornell's lone women's qualifier to advance out of Lexington so far.
The junior was sharp from the opening height, making first-attempt clearances through 4.22 meters to remain among the leaders entering the decisive height at 4.27 meters.
"Avery competed great from the get-go," Cornell women's head coach Mike Henderson said. "She made first-attempt clearances through 4.22 meters which had her tied for the lead with about 10 others at that point."
When the bar moved to 4.27 meters, the field knew another clearance would likely secure a qualifying spot to Eugene.
"Her entire pit missed their first attempt, and her attempt was a close one," Henderson said. "She stayed confident and composed and was one of the few in her pit to make a second attempt. That put her in a tie for fifth, and when less than 12 people made 4.27 meters, it was settled that she was advancing."
Hilliard's clearance nearly matched her outdoor season best and clinched her place at Hayward Field for the NCAA Championships.
"Avery was on fire today, making it one of the best vaulting series of her career so far," assistant coach Ethan Sandusky said. "She is the first female pole vaulter in Cornell history to qualify for the NCAA Championships finals.""
"Was an exciting and well-deserved moment for her," Henderson added. "We are excited to have her continue her season and to be representing herself and the program in Eugene at the NCAA Finals."
Hilliard adds another milestone to an already impressive collegiate résumé as she prepares for her first appearance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.
Cornell returns to action in Lexington on Friday, where Pierre Attiogbe will compete in the men's 5,000-meter race at 8:10 p.m. ET.
