Twin Valley Pole Vault

New Ulm, Minnesota

Head Coach: Jon Hammerschmidt

Emily Pearson is a senior at New Ulm High School who appreciates that there are still so many things about the vault that she can improve upon under the coaching of Jon Hammerschmidt. Her personal best is 11’1”.

Emily just missed out on going to states last season, but she was named most valuable field event athlete. She has broken the school record twice.

Emily has been challenged by injury, specifically shin splints, achilles tendonitis, and a back affliction. These involve rest that she does not want to take. At times she compares herself to other vaulters, or worries about things she cannot control. While Emily has not overcome these struggles yet, she consistently finds ways to make them better.

Emily tends to be hard on herself and Hammerschmidt encourages her to find the positives in her practices.

“Emily was one of the main reasons TVPV even got started. If I didn’t see how eager she was to get better, I would have never been motivated to finally start living my dream of running a club.

Emily is the most persistent, resilient, and motivated person I have had the chance to meet. No matter the setback, she always gets up back on her feet and gets back to work. She has a bright future ahead of her and I cannot wait to see what she accomplishes,” said Hammerschmidt.

Emily is currently working on accelerating her run, using her bottom arm, and leading with her chest.

Emily has received an academic award for the past three years for being in the top 15% in her class. After high school, she plans to pursue a degree in physical therapy.

Photo provided by Jon Hammerschmidt