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Casteel High School's Taylor Starkey signs with Kansas University
Posted
Independent Newsmedia
High school pole vault stand out Taylor Starkey of Casteel High School in Queen Creek is to sign with the University of Kansas on Nov. 22.
She is a Queen Creek resident who grew up jumping. One could say "Pole vaulting is in her blood," according to a release.
Taylor is the daughter of Dean Starkey, 1997 World Champion Bronze Medalist (PV best of 19' 5"); mother, Jill Starkey, former 2000 Olympic Trials Finalist and USATF masters World Champion (PV best of 14' 1"); brother, Garrett, Basha High School two-time State Champion, NCAA All America at Stanford University and Arizona State University and nationally ranked pole vaulter with a best of 18'4"; and younger sister, Tyra, who is a seventh grader at Casteel and is showing a liking for the vault too, the release states.
Taylor has already had a successful high school career as a Casteel Colt with Coach Cauley Clark. She was a two-time State Runner-Up, 2019 State Champion, Casteel HS Female Athlete of the Year, Arizona High School Record of 13'5", currently ranked No. 2 in the nation for female seniors and has a personal best of 13'6."
"Coach Clark and Coach Whitaker have done an amazing job of supporting and encouraging her to train as an elite level athlete at the Arizona Pole Vault Academy," according to the release.
"Taylor is looking forward to jumping 14+ in high school this year as a Casteel Colt, but she is also looking forward to becoming a Jayhawk under coach Tom Hays. Coach Hays has coached several girls over 15 feet and Taylor is ready to be the next one," the release states.
