Katja M.

I started volunteering in 2011 and officially became a coach in 2016. I have coached from ages 8-19 at Bellevue West high school and Bellevue Breeze summer track. I typically work with youth athletes.

As an athlete I broke my school record and currently still hold it. As well as placing 4th at state 2 years in a row. I never did compete in college or professionally, all though I do plan on competing again in the Cornhusker state games!

Warm up 2 lap jog or 5 minutes depending on location and then transfer to dynamic stretching. Afterwards it’s all depends on athletes skill level, beginners will start with the very basics hand hold, how to count as a vaulter, your jump leg. Then from there breaking down every phase, slowly progressing as the athlete understands and safely accomplishes. If athletes are more advanced then skill level plays a part, depending on what skill needs the most focus I have a list of muscle memory drills that focus on each aspect of the vault. Of course we will do actual vaults putting each phase together but this will depend on skill level and safety, if I feel athlete will make unsafe jumps I will stick to short work and basic drills. Safety is key everyday at practice, with that said each athlete could have a different practice depending on skill level and day to day performance. Every practice will end with a cool down lap and stretching or basic strength training, push and ups sits.