Mia Manson: Monarch To Michigan

Mia Manson's Best Marks 

Q) Talk about the recruitment process - what other schools were you looking at, and how did you come to choosing the University of Michigan?

The recruiting process was an overall really fun and exciting process. I got to build relationships with many incredible coaches and explore schools across the country. I took all five of my official visits to the University Washington, Cal Poly, Kansas University, Stanford, and Michigan, but in the end my top two schools were the University of Washington and the University of Michigan.

Both schools impressed me with their amazing academics, campuses, athletics, and coaches. Making my decision was extremely difficult and something I really struggled with because I knew both schools were so great. However, in the end I just felt like the overall experience at Michigan, along with the team and coaches, would be amazing. 

Q) What do you plan to study at Michigan? 

I plan to study something in the field of sports medicine. Possibly a PT or a PA in orthopedics.  

Q) What event do you see yourself focusing on at Michigan?

The pole vault will be my main focus but it's possible I'd do a little long jumping as well. 

Q) You've had success in everything from the sprints (100/200), on over the long jump/high jump, and of course the pole vault, which event would you say is your favorite, and why?

I really enjoy all of my events but would have to say the pole vault is my favorite.

Q) Both of your parents were national caliber athletes - your dad a pole vaulter, and your mom a distance runner, and your brother as well - what's the best advice you've gotten from each of them in reference to competition? 

The best advice my parents have given me about track and competition is to keep having fun. Sometimes I get so caught up in the competition and intensity that I forget to have fun so it nice to have that reminder. They have also told me to focus on improving myself and my times/jumps rather than worrying about winning which has also helped me in competitions. 

Q) What got you interested in track and field in the first place? 

Both my parents did track throughout and beyond college so I was pretty much born into the track world. My parents also run youth track camps that I participated in as a kid. However, I was never pressured into track and didn't begin seriously participating in it until freshman year. Before that I was a competitive rock climber, but became interested in track soon after my brother began pole vaulting in 8th grade.

Q You've been around the sport for a long time - way before our MileSplit records... What do you remember about your first competition (and when was it?)

I don't remember exactly what my first competition was but it was likely one of the USATF summer meets. I started doing those around the age of 9 and would just run the sprints. I remember being really intimidated because all the other kids had spikes and uniforms and I would show up in a skirt and sneakers. 

Q) Could you share any goals you have for your senior year?

I have goals to improve in all my events but mainly in pole vault. Vaulting 14-feet this year would be really cool and the main goal I hope to accomplish. 

Q) What would your favorite high school moment be?