State Champion Jayden Press to Represent South Carolina at Junior Olympics

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (June 5, 2025) ─ Jayden Press (Hilton Head Island), a rising senior at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM), soared to new heights at the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) 1A State Championship meet, capturing the state title in pole vault with a winning mark of 4.14 meters (13 feet, 7 inches). He will next compete on the national stage this July at the USA Track & Field (USATF) Junior Olympics in Savannah, Georgia. This will be his second appearance at the event.  

Held on May 15 at Richland Northeast High School, the meet marked a significant milestone in Press’s rapid athletic progression. In less than two years of competing in the event, he has grown into one of the top high school vaulters in the state.

“When I knew I cleared 4.14, the moment was exhilarating,” said Press. “It had been a mark that was talked about during my first year, and it really starts to separate average vaulters from good vaulters.”

Press was first inspired to try pole vault by a former teammate and has since taken full ownership of his development in the sport. In addition to formal training, he has spent countless hours outside of practice watching footage, drilling techniques at home, and seeking feedback from coaches.

His work ethic has paid off. Last year, Press qualified for the Junior Olympics in pole vault and competed in javelin and the decathlon.

“Jayden’s performance as a scholar-athlete has been exceptional,” said Hugh O’Connor, athletic director at GSSM. “His dedication to his academics and his athletic pursuits has set a high bar for himself and others. It will be a pleasure to watch him develop in the coming season.”

Balancing life as a student-athlete at GSSM requires discipline, and Press credits his success to structured time management. “I designate time blocks to make it all work,” he said. “I’ll use mid-day for sports and working out, and evenings exclusively for school.”

This summer, Press will once again represent South Carolina at the USATF Junior Olympics in Savannah, Georgia. Looking ahead, he hopes to qualify for New Balance Nationals and continue vaulting at the collegiate level.

His advice to other student-athletes: “Never give up in the face of challenge and stay determined. If it wasn't for determination, many pole vaulters and other athletes I know wouldn’t be at the level they are.”

Jayden Press is one of many GSSM students demonstrating that excellence in STEM education and athletic achievement can go hand in hand.

For more information about GSSM athletics, visit www.scgssm.org/student-life/athletics.