Defending Class 2A State Champion Pole Vaulter Jacob Atkinson Signs With Lee University

By Michael Lindsay

 

Cumberland County High School senior Jacob Atkinson made his college plans official Wednesday afternoon as the pole vaulter signed with Lee University.

“It feels really good,” said Atkinson. “Especially having people here to support me like my mom, dad, grandparents and the rest of my family. It’s nice to have that community and exciting to take the next step.”

Atkinson chose Lee over multiple Division 1 schools including East Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee.

“Lee feels like I’m part of a community,” said Atkinson. “I picked Lee because it only has 3,600 students. It could be fun to be part of a big school, but at Lee I feel I can be valued as an individual. They revamped their entire track two years ago. I like the fact it’s a Christian school, too.”

While at Lee, Atkinson plans to enter the medical field.

“The exact major is biochemistry with a pre-professional emphasis,” said Atkinson. “It’s basically a pre-med program. I want to be a pediatrician. When I was younger, I had to go to a bunch of specialists and I looked up to all them. I want to make kids feel comfortable like they did for me.”

Atkinson is the defending TSSAA Class 2A state champion pole vaulter with a height of 13’6″, but has battled injury his senior season and hopes to compete in the 2024 postseason.

“I did gymnastics for 12 years, so I feel like that background helped me,” said Atkinson. “I work really hard and don’t mind putting in the extra hours. I need to get faster and stronger to get on bigger poles. Technique is important, but if you’re on a 12-foot pole you can only go 12’6″. Getting faster and stronger and listening to my coaches is big.”