Senior Presley Winters is continuing her pole vault and track career at Augustana College. Augustana is located in Rock Island, Illinois, and offers over 100 majors and areas of study and 28 athletic varsity teams. Augustana is also a private liberal arts college, founded in 1860.

  Winters is a multi-sport athlete who participates in track, diving, and football cheer, who has participated in both football cheer and track since her freshman year. Pole vault pushes Winters athletically and mentally and offers such rewarding results.

 While it was hard to choose, Winters decided to continue her pole vault career out of her other sports because of “how unique it is and how accomplished [she feels]. There is no better feeling than knowing you made it over a crossbar.”

  Augustana takes proper care of their athletes, especially those in track. How Augie operates within sports was a huge part of Winter’s decision. 

  “Augie offers a variety of poles special to each vaulter, over four pole vault pits indoor and outdoor, job recruitment for a local gymnastics gym, and most importantly diligent and unique training dedicated to pole vaulters specifically,” Winters shared.

  Winter’s choice of college was also influenced academically. Augie offers many of the opportunities Winters was interested in including various academic opportunities and programs. Winters plans on majoring in psychology hoping to become a forensic psychologist. 

  Augustana provides a very special opportunity that took Augie to a different level compared to other colleges for Winters. Augie works closely with a forensic psychologist that Winters could intern with and also sit in therapy sessions at the Rock Island County Jail.

  Winters received multiple recruits and offers for track from other colleges in the area, including, the University of Chicago, University of Dubuque, and Wisconsin-Platteville. After touring Augustana College, Winters concluded that it was the best fit for her.