North Lamar High School is proud to announce that senior Kelsey Jackson has signed her national letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at The University of Texas at Arlington, where she will major in Construction Management and compete in pole vault at the collegiate level.
Kelsey is the daughter of Russell and Cassie Jackson, and the sibling of Kylie, Claire, and Carter Jackson. She is also the granddaughter of Rusty Jackson, Laura Jackson, Beth Kollman, and Mark Kollman.
Kelsey’s vaulting journey began in the 7th grade at North Lamar, where she was first introduced to the event by Coach Carder. “He taught me everything he knew and pushed me to reach my full potential,” she shared. “I truly would not be where I am today without him.”
As she advanced through high school, Kelsey dedicated herself to training beyond the regular season—putting in hours after practice, throughout the summer, and anytime improvement required it. She credits a strong coaching team—Coach Watkins, Coach McCleskey, and Coach Wyatt—for helping shape her into the athlete she is today.
“Coach Wyatt especially helped take my performance to the next level during my junior and senior year,” she said. “I am incredibly grateful for my coaches making time for me, pushing me, and giving me the chance to chase a dream that has become such a big part of who I am.”
Kelsey also shared that the biggest influence in her life has been Tory Cunningham, someone she jokingly calls not only her pole vault coach but also her “life coach.”
“I have spent countless hours with him staying late after practice just talking, which have made some of my best memories,” she said. “He has taught me so many ways to be the best person I can possibly be, and words cannot describe how thankful I am for him.”
One of Kelsey’s top memories as a Panther came during the trip to the state track meet, where she competed alongside her coaches and teammate Roselyn Spencer.
“Just the experience of competing at state is unreal—let alone making it on the podium,” she said. “Spending time with Ro after our meet in the hotel was so much fun, and I can’t wait to make more memories during my senior season.”
Kelsey encourages younger Panthers to stay committed, even when the road gets tough.
“There will be times you feel like you aren’t making progress, you’re stressed from schoolwork, you want to give up, and you wonder if all the time and effort is really worth it,” she shared. “It is always worth it. Keep showing up. Keep putting in 110%. Keep pushing yourself to be the best version of yourself—on the track, court, field, or even in the classroom. The reward is coming, I promise.”
Kelsey extends her appreciation to her family, friends, and teammates for standing by her throughout her journey. She also gives special thanks to Coach Wyatt, Coach McCleskey, Coach High, Coach Carder, and Coach Watkins, whose support and guidance shaped her athletic career. And finally, she offers a big thank you to Tory Cunningham “for taking me in as a young vaulter and turning me into who I am today.”
North Lamar ISD celebrates this incredible achievement and is excited to cheer Kelsey on as she continues her academic and athletic career at UT Arlington. Congratulations, Kelsey!
Pictured: Dad Russell Jackson, Coach Tory Cunningham, Kelsey Jackson, Mom Cassie Jackson
