A high school track meet can be filled with hundreds of competing athletes, each trying to get ready for their event. The experienced athletes are aware that in order to perform their best, they have to prepare the best.

One of these athletes stands on the runway. The next few seconds are the product of her hard work days before this moment. From her concentration on the ride over, the three goals she has set for herself this meet, and her full effort at practice, she is ready to compete. This is the routine of the number one-ranked freshman for pole-vaulting in California, Taylor Tokeshi.

Her performance may vary from track meet to track meet, but one thing is certain.

“She always has a smile on her face no matter what outcome,” Tokeshi’s coach, Sofia Di Marco, said.

Tokeshi is an incredibly gifted individual with accomplishments such as being a three-time junior Olympic qualifier, a two-time regional champion, and a 2024 junior Olympic runner up in pole vaulting. Specifically, in this 2025 season she has qualified in countless big meets throughout California and is ranked fifth freshman in the nation.

The question remains: what fuels Tokeshi’s success?

“I believe that the reason why she is at the level that she is, and continues to attack the runway, is because she is confident and knows she can do whatever she sets her mind to,” teammate Hailey Placé (11) said.

With Tokeshi being such a decorated athlete at a young age, her work ethic speaks for itself. Committing herself fully to what she is passionate about and building a strong mindset has been the pillars of Tokeshi’s athletic career. This has been evident through her actions, to opponents, to coaches, and to teammates.

“The thing that stands out the most about Taylor is how hardworking she is,” teammate Emily Prescott (11) said. “I admire her enthusiasm in track.”

Tokeshi’s beliefs behind her attitude is one that keeps her striving towards improvement every day. Even in practice, where some may not take it seriously, Tokeshi believes that giving it your all is the best way to go. Deciding to work hard is no real choice for Tokeshi because she knows that her wholeheartedness will take her far.

“I hold myself to a very high standard in my sport,” Tokeshi said. “I always know that there is someone out there who is better than me and puts in the same amount of work I do.”

Her enthusiasm does not stop with herself; in fact, many of the members of her team describe how Tokeshi has helped them improve. She is well known for her unwavering positive attitude through tiring workouts and morning practices.

Placé was one of the teammates affected by Tokeshi’s unparalleled perseverance during a particularly difficult practice. When she confessed to Tokeshi her struggles, what she responded with motivated Placé to persist.

“She told me if I want to be the best I have to do my best,” Placé said. “I completed the workout with a more open mind.”

Of course, struggles are a part of life, and especially abundant for athletes. Tokeshi has other commitments besides track, but with her mindset she never fails to give all her effort to everything she applies herself to. This may come as a challenge, but Tokeshi has never been one to give up.

“There have been times where fear has entered her mind, which has made practicing difficult; however, she never gives up.” Di Marco said. “She works through her fears and comes out on top.”

In her freshman year, Tokeshi participated in two varsity sports, track and basketball, and maintained her grades. Balance is the key for her busy life and her ultimate success. This challenge has also provided Tokeshi with valuable insight for her future as an athlete, as well as life in general.

“I also learned that it was okay to not be where I wanted to be at the moment, because everyone’s progress is different,” Tokeshi said.

Tokeshi will continue aiming for her success and hopes to continue pursuing pole vaulting even five years from now. Every obstacle in her way is just another thing for her to work hard to overcome. Tokeshi is a living testament of what constant determination and dedication creates.

“I have alway enjoyed working extra hard all the time,” Tokeshi said. “I want to be the best that I can and compete at the highest level possible.”