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In 2022, then-middle school student Bailey Howard gained recognition for her track accomplishments. 

Now a sophomore at George Rogers Clark High School, her list of accomplishments continues growing. 

Howard recently won the 3A State Meet pole vault competition with a clearance of 12′ 6, a noteworthy accomplishment for more reasons than one. 

The mark is considered a new Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) state record, which doesn’t count prior state meets from before 2024 due to them being run by a different organization. According to Kaizen Pole Vault Club Coach Monte Orchard, it is believed to be the fourth-best height by any female during indoor track season in Kentucky. 

“Bailey’s been [really] dedicated right from the beginning,” said Orchard. “She’s made constant regular progress and hasn’t let the little [challenges] that happen get her down.” 

Howard has worked on pole vaulting during the school year and continues to do so in the summer, along with fellow Kaizen Pole Vault Club competitors Ava Hernandez of Bourbon County and Lacy Willoughby of Montgomery County. 

Current GRC Athletic Director Terry Yeast, also an award-winning track coach, offered his reaction. 

“As a coach, your goal is to always see your kids do the best that [they] can do,” he said, noting that Howard had already set the record with an earlier jump at the contest before continuing in an effort to set the new mark. “I was just overwhelmed with excitement for her.” 

He talked about Howard’s chances of inspiring others. 

“I think it just sets the tone in the 2024-25 school year. That’s our first individual state champion,” he said. “I just think that it excites the school community.” 

Yates also credited Howard’s work ethic. 

“Kids that are trying to get to the next level…they all have trainers. Bailey comes to track practice four days a week right now, and then she goes to pole vault practice twice a week after she’s already trained with me,” he said. “The commitment shows exactly why she’s having so much success.” 

George Rogers Clark High School Principal Luke Toy also spoke. 

“She’s representative of what we want all students to be here,” he said. “She’s also putting in just as much time on the academic side…her grades are fantastic. [She’s] just a good kid! All the credit [goes] to her.” 

With outdoor track season and more on the way, Howard looks to continue with pole vaulting and more – such as the triple jump. 

Speaking of the pole vaulting, Orchard expressed high hopes. 

“Top girls in the nation are jumping in the thirteen to fourteen-foot range, and Bailey’s capable of hitting that,” he said. “It’s kind of a question of when, not if.” 

More information about Kaizen Pole Vault Club can be found at https://kaizenpvc.teamapp.com/?_webpage=v1.