Nicholas Villanueva '20 Recruiting Profile

Struggling with anxiety through Middle school as well as overcoming a learning disability involving decoding problems while reading, I know firsthand that hard work and perseverance pays off. Things that some students can do effortlessly I had to work a lot harder for. But I was determined not to let these things hold me back and have maintained a 3.0 GPA and higher throughout middle school and high school with a current GPA of 3.8. This realization transferred to the field where I learned that not only could I work hard mentally but physically as well.

When I began track back in 3rd grade I was no superstar but I knew pretty quickly that I absolutely loved the sport.  I started with running events where I did pretty well but soon moved on to long and high jump and ultimately worked my way through all the jumping events.

While in eighth grade a friend suggested we try pole vaulting.  I always thought pole vault was an amazing sport but never imagined that I would be the one holding the pole and though I felt a bit intimidated, I agreed to give it a try.  Watching as the vaulters fly through the air was mesmerizing and from my first trip down the runway I was hooked. Of course it is a very difficult and challenging sport and at times beginners feel very uncoordinated but right from the start my coaches and I knew I had a knack for it.  Within the first month I was already within six inches of my schools freshman record of 10ft 6in as an eighth grader and was determined to be the best on the high school team.

During my freshman year my coach suggested I try triple jump because of my long legs though at the time I was worried that it might interfere with my long jump form.  I followed his advice and really thrived at the event. I worked very hard and not only did I make it to states but increased my long jump PR by a foot.

Track has become such a huge part of my life and being afforded the opportunity to compete at the college level while receiving a top-notch education would really be a dream come true for me.