Julia Fixsen captured Virginia Tech’s 22nd individual national championship in school history Thursday night, winning the women’s pole vault with a personal-best 14′ 7.25″ (4.45m) clearance on her first attempt.
“It was a great night,” said assistant coach Bob Phillips. “All four girls were extremely focused and it showed in the results. I am especially happy for Julia. She finished the indoor season fighting through some pain, so to see her pain-free at the end of the outdoor season and to watch her hard work and patience pay off with both the conference and national titles was outstanding.”
The junior entered the NCAAs ranked 10th in the nation but saved her best performance of the season for the national stage. She led a quartet of Hokies that finished in the top 15 of the event. Kenna Stimmel, the ACC indoor champion in the pole vault, placed eighth on Thursday after clearing 14′ 1.25″ (4.30m). Journey Gurley (tied for 13th) and Hayley Horvath (15th) rounded out the Tech contingent competing in the event clearing 13′ 7.25″ (4.15m).
Fixsen’s national title gives the Hokies two in 2023, as Youssef Ramadan of men’s swimming and diving won gold in the 100-yard butterfly in March.
In the women’s hammer throw, Tech first-year Barbora Stejfova secured All-America honorable mention with her 23rd-place showing. She unleashed a 195′ 8″ (59.65m) mark on her second attempt.
Essence Henderson placed 22nd in the women’s shot put with a mark of 50′ 10.25″ (15.50m).
On the track, Lindsey Butler finished 17th in the 800-meters earning honorable mention All-America honors as she crossed the line with a time of 2:04.44.
Virginia Tech Athletics
