Holy Cross pole vaulter

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July 29, 2012

Holy Cross pole vaulter

By Michael Muldoon mmuldoon@eagletribune.com The Eagle Tribune Sun Jul 29, 2012, 12:07 AM EDT

How did you get into vaulting?

“Basically, because I did gymnastics since I was 3 years old. My freshman year they told all the cheerleaders and gymnasts to try pole vaulting. I know where my body is in the air. It came easily to me.”

Is there a fear factor?

“I’m not scared at all. To me, it’s fun.”

How did you end up at Holy Cross?

“I was recruited to do track. I also wanted to go because they have a real good pre-med program. I was deciding between Division 3 Bowdoin and Division 1 Holy Cross. They also gave me a bigger scholarship.”

It seems like you had an eventful freshman year.

“I had elbow surgery senior year and missed the season. Then I got to Holy Cross and broke my wrist and battled a bunch of sicknesses. I competed in one indoor meet and I placed first at Army. That was 11-2, which is where I was at in high school. When I was finally healthy outdoors, by the time Patriot League Championship came around it was intimidating. It was the biggest meet I had been to. I placed second at 12-1 1/2 then I got fourth at New Englands.”

How are you doing academically?

“It’s definitely hard to balance. Doing gymnastics helped me. I have great time management skills from growing up and doing homework in the car. Freshman year is a huge transition. I have a jam-packed schedule which doesn’t leave me room to mess up. School, practice, study and go to bed. I try to find time for a social life somewhere.”

Do you work?

“I am babysitting, it’s the third year with the same family. And I’m working at the Town Hall in Newburyport.”

What’s something people don’t know about you?

“I play the piano. I taught myself.”

Are you competitive with your sister Maddie, a sophomore who made Eagle-Tribune All-Star?

“Yes, definitely. It’s always been competitive since we were little with gymnastics. I got her into pole vaulting. It was kind of tough senior year to watch her tie my freshman record and I was in an arm cast. Then sophomore year she almost tied my record. Seeing me I think pushes her 10 times harder. It’s friendly competition. She’s like my best friend.”

What’s your dream job?

“My plan is to be a physician’s assistant hopefully with sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.”

What is your pet peeve?

“When people drive slow in front of me on the highways.”

Do you have a nickname?

“Kenz.”

Who do you follow on Twitter-Facebook?

“All the Olympic gymnasts. I competed against Aly Raisman.”

What’s your Twitter name?

“Kenz_Anastasia.”

Do you have any pets?

“No. I’m allergic to cats and my mom is allergic to dogs.”