Jackie McNulty, who was recently named this last month at Maryland's Gatorade Track & Field Athlete of the Year, certainly earned that honor with her final high school track & field season, along with a long decorated career at Oakdale High School. McNulty was a state champion not only in her specialty of the pole vault, multiple times, but the long jump and triple jump as well. The Stanford commit McNulty had a high school best clearance of 13'4" in the pole vault, but could also reach out for big marks in the jumps as well including a PR mark of 39'4" in the triple jump and 18'2.50" in the long jump. Check out McNulty's Salute To Seniors series interview below. (Photo by Jon Fleming)
Salute To Seniors: Jackie McNulty (Oakdale)
What was your most memorable race/competition?
My most memorable competition would have to be my final meet as a member of my high school team - the Maryland State Outdoor Championships. After victories in the triple jump, long jump, and pole vault, I anchored our underdog 4x400 relay to a surprising state championship. This title meant the most to me because I was able to share it with three amazing girls, all close friends of mine. To top it all off, we won our third outdoor state championship team title in a row. #3peat.
Where did you face your biggest competition?
I faced my biggest competition at the Millrose Games, the Penn Relays, and the New Balance Indoor/Outdoor National Championships.
What was your greatest accomplishment?
In addition to recently becoming the Maryland Girls Track & Field Gatorade Player of the Year, my greatest accomplishment would be maturing not only as an athlete, but also as a leader. I found my niche in track & field, and it has helped me develop into a better person, on and off the track. Earning a scholarship for the sport I love most at my dream school and being able to sign my NLI alongside my best friend, Abby Stultz, was pretty spectacular, too.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in High School?
If I could do it all over again, I would change the sporadic Maryland weather. However, since I cannot control that, I would not change a thing! I could not ask for a better high school career.
What were your most difficult obstacles to overcome?
One of my most difficult obstacles to overcome included tackling various mental blocks in my best event, the pole vault. Also, I had a tendency to get caught up in all the outside factors instead of focusing on the ones that I can control; once I came to the realization that all I can do is focus on what I am capable of, I became more confident in meets.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss all of the wonderful and talented girls I had the pleasure of competing with. I will also miss all of my coaches, especially my pole vault coach, Chris Heinze. He was always right by my side, whether we were shoveling snow off of the runway in below freezing temperatures, or finding a school to jump at in the blistering heat of the summer during his lunch break.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
My advice to younger athletes would be to challenge yourselves - I promise you, in one way or another, it will pay off in the end. Working hard during the off season is also extremely important because it builds a strong foundation and the discipline required to become an elite athlete. It all starts with you.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
All of my coaches have had such a positive influence on me, both on and off the track. They taught me to never settle for less than what I am capable, and that if you want something, you have to go and get it yourself.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending Stanford University this coming September as a pole vaulter on their track team. I hope to major in either human biology or bioengineering.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
I would like to thank my parents - they certainly do not get the credit they deserve. Though my track career is just beginning, they have believed in my abilities from the start and have never wavered from my side. I would also like to thank my coaches and teammates for welcoming me (the gymnast who didn't know anything) freshman year, for pushing me, for making me laugh, for making me cry, for becoming my second family. I would not have been given or have been able to pursue the wonderful opportunities that this sport has handed me without them.