VYPE U: College Park Star Pole Vaulter Commits to Sam Houston University

After years of hard work, commitment, and success, College Park senior, Bailey Cotten has committed to further her academic and athletic career at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.

Bailey Cotten began pole vaulting during her years in junior high and has been on the CP Varsity Track Team for 4 years. During her sophomore year, Bailey broke the school record for pole vaulting with a height of 12.0 feet. She has been a strong veteran leader to the track team and has been a role model to the beginning freshman pole vaulters.

"CP Track has been such an exciting and fun bonding experience with my teammates," Bailey Cotten said. "I have had a really fun ride with the girls and I'm really sad it's almost over. I don't want to leave."

Along with pole vaulting at College Park, Bailey also participates in indoor pole vaulting during the winter season and participates in Nationals during the summer. Last season she placed 3rd in district, 4th in Region 2, and 11th in 6A State. When it came to the college commitment process, Bailey completed the process independently and with support from her parents. She searched for colleges by emailing and calling coaches, filling out college questionnaires, and by visiting different college campuses. It was a long and stressful process, but was worth it in the end.

"I wanted to go to Sam Houston because I want to stay in Texas and be close to home. They have a great pole vault team, and I really connected with Coach Bernhard's coaching philosophy and style," Cotten said. "I also really liked all of the Sam Houston teammates and I think it is a great community to be around."

On Signing Day, Bailey signed her letter surrounded by friends and members of the CP community and got to truly see all of her hard work over the years pay off.

"People came up to me and told me that I was now a D1 athlete and I was amazed and I was so happy that all of my hard work, tears, blood, and injuries have paid off," Cotten said. "I am just so grateful that I get to continue this sport in college."