Journey Gurley

Journey Gurley won the NCAA Division II pole vault national title in May 2021, earning the University of North Georgia (UNG) its second national championship in school history. The Danielsville, Georgia, resident said she was stressed for two weeks leading up to the national meet.

"Once I won, it was all worth it. Graduate assistant coach Justice Ricketts usually didn't let me know what height I was going for so that I wouldn't change my vault. When he said I had cleared 14 feet, 2 inches, I didn't believe him because it was such a shock," Gurley said. "It could have been anyone who won. That day, I was the best. This shows UNG can be competitive at the national level and sets the standard for others to come."

She began to take an interest in pole vaulting while taking part in gymnastics. She competed in both sports throughout high school before sticking with track and field in college.

"I like it because it keeps me in the same shape I was in for gymnastics," Gurley said. "It's a lot of the same skills. I'm a thrill-seeker and I like falling, so that's my favorite part."

Gurley earned a degree in elementary and special education in May 2022, taking only three years to earn her degree.

Gurley's quiet nature didn't keep her from being a leader.

"A silent leader is someone who is leading behind the scenes even when you don't see them out there," Gurley said. "I like to push myself and lead by my actions more than my words. Our track and field team is very small. We all had to step up and be leaders."