As Laura Marty first tried out for the Blanchet track team in the spring of 2013, she had no idea that three and a half years later she would be committing to a full ride scholarship to pole vault and study at Duke University.

After suffering a serious back injury that caused her to sit out for her entire sophomore season, Marty made a brave comeback. The track season of 2015 proved to be the most influential time of the young athlete’s life. Throughout these three months, Marty competed fearlessly, broke records, and shocked the community with her talent, all of which she did while challenging herself in the classroom, maintaining almost perfect grades and most importantly carrying herself with a sense of humility and grace.

Marty’s dedication and passion to be successful are the two qualities that set her apart from most high school kids. Instead of going home after school each day and watching TV or taking a nap, Laura Marty goes to practice. She trains more a week even when she’s not competing than the football team does in play offs.

“As of right now I weight lift, train at an indoor pole vault facility, and do speed work every week,” said Marty. “If I had to guess, I spend about sixteen hours a week training.”   

So how does someone so talented and so dedicated balance all aspects of being a normal teenager?

Marty definitely recognized that her largest struggle has been in this aspect of her life. Although she strives to accomplish greater things in pole vaulting, her education takes precedence over athletics. “Balancing everything is the hardest part,” said the athlete. “Academics are very important to me, so time management has been essential. I definitely watch less Netflix now…”

The social aspect of high school hasn’t held the greatest importance for her. Marty’s dedication to her education and her sport has influenced her character in major ways. The recognition of her self worth and her potential has kept her away from bad influences that tend to come about in high school.

Although her success is undeniable, Laura Marty’s sense of humility can distinguish her from many other athletes of her caliber. After having an all-star junior season, Marty experienced failure. At the 2015 state tournament, Marty jumped almost a foot lower than her personal best. She admitted that she was beyond frustrated with herself and felt like she had let her teammates down. But instead of giving up, Marty persevered and is training to make an even bigger comeback, just as she did after injuring her back.

“Although I have yet to win a state title, it taught me that one meet cannot define who I am as a vaulter,” said Marty. “And that experience gives me more drive to win a state title this year.”

Again, Marty’s humility shines beyond her talent. She is able to recognize the times where she hasn’t reached her potential and allows it to drive her forward into doing better. This exemplified quality has been noticed by her family, community, and most impressively, Duke University.

On Thursday, November 12, 2015, Marty signed her letter of commitment to attend, pole vault, and undoubtedly achieve greatness at Duke University.

According to Duke’s mission statement issued saying that the University is looking for people of great determination, strong moral conviction, and leadership skills, Laura Marty is the perfect student.

Although she still has a final high school season to face, Marty knows that all of the practice she has put into the sport that she loves will pay off in big ways. Whether she decides to pole vault beyond college or to use her academic strength to establish herself in a different career, Marty will be successful.

No one can know for sure where Marty will end up, but based on her previous success and tenacity, she hopes to reach her fullest potential, whatever that may be. Whether she ends up being a U.S.A. Gold medalist or a doctor, Marty will change the world in so many positive and necessary ways.

“I hope to vault well enough in college to be able to continue as an elite vaulter after college,” said Marty, “and who knows; maybe even Tokyo 2020 is in my future.”  “God has truly blessed me with a gift and I am so grateful that I found pole vaulting.”