Five questions with Rachel BaxterFive questions with Rachel Baxter
Track & Field

Five questions with Rachel Baxter


Editor's note: Every Wednesday throughout the fall, we'll catch up with track and field student-athletes and coaches for five questions.
 
Q: As a freshman, you finished your year by placing in the pole vault at the NCAA Championships and earning All-America honors. What goals have you set for yourself this year?
 
Baxter: I guess the first goal is to make indoor nationals again and then outdoor nationals. I just want to have fun with it. Last year was super fun, and I was somehow able to do those incredible things. Just trying to be a first-team All-American indoors is the goal and just PR [personal record] a little bit.
 
Q. What do you do when you are trying to get away from pole vaulting?
 
Baxter: That's a good question. Here, it's just mostly studying and stuff, but I try to watch Netflix or go on a hike — still move around and doing stuff that's not pole vaulting.
 
Q: Coach Bob Phillips is pretty much a Tech legend as a pole vaulter. What has it been like having him as your coach?
 
Baxter: It's been amazing. I am so lucky to be able to have him as a coach. He's helped me so much with my technique in the vault. I am so lucky to have him, and I don't know what I would do without him.

Q: When you are getting ready to vault, what is going through your mind and how do you stay focused?
 
Baxter: Just focusing on one jump at a time and focusing on the little details that we try to fix in practice. In meets, it's just trying to stay calm and trying to get through each jump because anything can happen at meets. It's just focusing on one jump at a time, trying to focus on the little details and trying to focus on clearing that bar.
 
Q: How would you sum up your freshman year at Tech?
 
Baxter: Unbelievable. No words to describe it. It was really fun, and I have so many good experiences that I hope to continue these next three years.