University of Tennessee senior, and Gallatin native, Evan Puckett is taking pole vaulting to the next level—centimeter by centimeter—with every track meet. At the time of his 18-foot, 1-inch jump, he was ranked third in the nation.

So, how did this high-energy, easily distracted student set his sights on launching himself over high bars and onto scratchy mats? According to his mom, Sundi, it all started with a bit of brotherly competition.

Evan’s older brother, Kalen, set the Sumner County pole vault record during his junior year at Station Camp High School under the guidance of Coach Sexton. Watching as a freshman, Evan promptly declared, “I’m going to beat him.” Coach Sexton allowed Evan to start vaulting in his sophomore year. The focus transformed Evan’s ADHD into a healthy obsession with the sport, and his grades drastically improved—a welcome side effect, according to Sundi.

“He really fell in love with pole vaulting during his sophomore year of high school,” says Sexton. “He was ready to have a breakout junior season before it was cut short by the COVID lockdowns. That didn’t stop Evan.”

While the world shut down, Evan kept showing up. “They kept kicking him off tracks and out of gyms,” Sundi says. “But he never stopped practicing. He found a way.” Whether it meant hauling a borrowed mat in the back of his old pickup truck to a remote practice site or building a gym in his parents’ garage, Evan kept working on his craft.

“Evan’s incredible work ethic and determination have always stood out to me,” says Sexton.

Sundi credits Evan’s persistence and consistency for setting him apart from his peers as the world emerged from 2020.

And yes—he did beat his brother. Evan went from clearing 9 feet in his sophomore year to setting a new Sumner County record at 15 feet, 3 inches in 2021. He went on to win both Indoor and Outdoor State Championships and was recruited by Coach Kyle Ellis at the University of Memphis that same year.

At the start of Evan’s junior year in college, Coach Ellis transferred to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Evan faced a decision: stay in Memphis or follow the coach who had shaped his success. He chose to follow. “Coach Ellis is the best coach in the NCAA,” Evan says. “Not following him would’ve been one of the worst mistakes of my life.”

But just three meets into his first season at UT, Evan fractured his heel. Sundi calls it “the perfect injury, if there is such a thing.” The setback allowed Evan to redshirt, giving him an extra year of eligibility to compete.

“Evan wants to coach pole vaulting,” Sundi says. “So the further he can go, the more it builds his résumé.” The additional time has allowed Evan to continue breaking personal records—surpassing 18 feet—and to build strong relationships with teammates. As a team captain, he enjoys mentoring younger athletes and sharpening his coaching skills.

Evan is headed to the SEC Championships at the University of Kentucky, followed by Regionals on May 28. He has his sights on being ranked among the top 12 and advancing to Nationals in Eugene, Oregon, later this year.

Evan, keep leaping. We love watching your story unfold.