For Sabina Rasulova, pole vaulting has never been just about how high she can clear the bar it is about the journey it takes to get there.
Coming into the season, Rasulova kept her goals simple: set a new personal record and enjoy the experience.
“My goals going into the season were to have a new PR and to enjoy the season and have fun,” said Rasulova.
But as the season unfolded, those goals began to evolve. Meets became more competitive, expectations grew, and Rasulova found herself focusing on something less measurable but just as important, consistency and confidence.
“As the season is progressing my goals are to be more consistent with my vaults and be more confident going into bigger meets,” said Rasulova.
Pole vault is one of the most technically challenging events in track and field. It requires speed, strength, timing, and a willingness to take risks. Every attempt demands full commitment, once an athlete sprints down the runway and plants the pole, there is no turning back. For Rasulova, learning to trust that process has been one of the biggest parts of her growth.
That growth has not just shown up in her performances, but also in her mindset. Rather than getting caught up in pressure, she has learned to embrace the moment, whether it is a practice jump or a high-stakes meet.
At Westside, Rasulova has also found something just as valuable as improvement, a sense of belonging. She credits the school environment and her teammates for making her experience memorable.
“Westside has been the most enjoyable experience with everyone being accommodating and having really good programs throughout the whole school,” said Rasulova.
Her presence on the team has helped shape the culture of pole vaulting at the school. Often overlooked compared to running events, pole vault has started to gain popularity, and Rasulova has played a role in that shift.
“I think I’m very welcoming and my teammates and I have made the pole vault one of the field events to become more popular,” said Rasulova.
That welcoming attitude has made a difference, especially for newer athletes who might be hesitant to try such a demanding event. Rasulova takes pride in encouraging others, helping them feel comfortable, and showing them that pole vault can be both challenging and fun.
“I hope the girls keep trying the pole vault so it grows more and more popular each year and remember to keep having fun while in track,” said Rasulova.
Some of the most memorable moments from her career have not come from perfect conditions or record-breaking performances, but from the unexpected challenges that brought her closer to her teammates. One of her favorite memories came during her sophomore year at JV metros, when she competed in pouring rain alongside her teammate Evlyn Jasa.
“At the time it wasn’t the best but looking back at it, it’s definitely funny,” said Rasulova.
Moments like that highlight what Rasulova values most about the sport, not just the results, but the shared experiences and the bonds built along the way.
While track and field has been an important part of her high school years, Rasulova already has her eyes set on the future. She does not plan to continue athletics in college, choosing instead to focus on her academic goals and long-term career path.
“I’m going to college on the Pre-Med track to hopefully become an Anesthesiologist in the future,” said Rasulova.
That ambition reflects the same dedication she brings to the runway. Becoming an anesthesiologist requires years of education, discipline, and focus, qualities Rasulova has already begun to develop through her experiences as an athlete.
In many ways, pole vault has prepared her for what is ahead. It has taught her how to handle pressure, stay consistent, and push through challenges even when things do not go perfectly. It has also shown her the importance of confidence, believing in herself before she even leaves the ground.
As her high school career continues, Rasulova remains focused on finishing strong, improving with each meet, and enjoying every last moment of the season. Whether she is clearing a new height or cheering on a teammate, her impact goes beyond the scoreboard.
Her legacy at Westside will not just be measured in personal records, but in the environment she helped create, one where athletes feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to try something new.
And while her future may take her away from the track, the lessons she has learned and the memories she has made will stay with her long after her final jump.
