About Us
In November 2015, we opened Pole Vault Carolina’s indoor facility. We had 6 athletes, 10 poles, no money, and a dream. We signed a 90-day lease to get us through the winter, a time when we usually canceled 60% of our practices due to weather.
Four years later, we have coaches 27 athletes into collegiate athletics, and numerous other vaulters to personal success.
Our Objectives
To prepare each individual to compete at their highest level, whatever level that is for her or him.
To maximize results through efficient practices, with minimum wait times, usually 120 minutes in length.
To provide individual coaching that improves technique and makes the most of an athlete’s strength and ability.
To develop an environment in which highly motivated individuals can achieve excellence in all that they do.
Our Location
2415 Presidential Drive, Suite 114
Durham, NC 27703
Our indoor facility is located just off T.W. Alexander Drive and Miami Blvd, and is convenient to all points in the Triangle.
Get DirectionsOur Coaches
Jose San Miguel, Head Coach
Coach Jose began pole vaulting in 1983 in Puerto Rico, where he trained under Olympic coach Don Cristobal Lago, who came out of retirement to coach him. As a high schooler in his native Puerto Rico, he was a 12-time national champion in the pole vault, high jump, long jump, hurdles, and decathlon. At the junior and senior levels, he earned a national position 6 times. Coach Jose represented Puerto Rico from 1982-1988. He competed in the 1988 Olympic Trials in the pole vault.
Jose attended the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez (1984-86) where he won the University Championships as a Freshman; and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where he was a varsity letterman 1986, 1987, 1988.
Adele San Miguel
As the mother of two collegiate athletes and a third aspiring one, Adele has seen every struggle, success, and failure in the sport. There is more to building an athlete than drills and technique. As a certified instructor for The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, Adele brings insight to what an athlete may need emotionally as they set their athletic goals, perform well as student athletes, struggle socially with peers, and learn to believe in themselves.
Adele’s area of responsibility are internal and external communications, social media, website and software management, and her favorite, community care. Her passion is writing and she enjoys sharing stories about athletes on social media, Milesplit, and in Vaulter Magazine.
Coach Harrison
Harrison is the athlete who started Pole Vault Carolina! He is the 2012 NCHSAA 4A State Champion and a 2 time national qualifier, placing 5th in 2012 in the indoor season. Harrison vaulted for UNC – Wilmington. He serves as a Durham police officer.
Coach Jose
Jose is a two-time New Balance qualifier who competed collegiately for High Point University, where he also rowed on the club team. He holds the high school record at Cardinal Gibbons in Raleigh. Jose was a 3 time medalist at USATF Youth Nationals in the pole vault and decathlon. Jose represented Puerto Rico at CAC Juniors in Nicaragua in 2012, where he won a bronze medal. Jose is a Key Leader at Lululemon, and a Power Pilates instructor at FlowCORPS in Raleigh. Jose is the ironic wit behind @polevaultprobs on Twitter.
Coach Sofia
Sofia is freshly graduated from Appalachian State University where she vaulted all 4 years as a Mountaineer. Sofia holds the high school record in the pole vault at Cardinal Gibbons. She was a 2 time silver medalist at USATF Youth Nationals in the pole vault. She represented Puerto Rico at CAC juniors in Mexico in 2014. Sofia continues to pursue her own greatness in the pole vault.
Coach Carter
Carter is training to coach you! Carter trained at Pole Vault Carolina for 3.5 years in high school in the pole vault and decathlon. Carter placed 4th at USATF Youth Nationals. Carter earned a spot on the track team at William and Mary where he is a rising senior. Carter is attuned to the struggle all vaulters feel at different points in their career, and is prepared to coach our athletes through them.
Coach Antonio
Though young, Antonio has been around the sport his whole life, and has an excellent instinct for this technical event. He has already competed nationally at New Balance Nationals 2019 and placed 2nd at AAU Junior Olympic Nationals 2019. Antonio helps out in our Beginner Clinics.
