Third-year student-athlete Samantha Romano knows all about preparing to succeed, whether that’s meeting the pressures of rigorous academics or the exacting demands of competitive sports. This Comm student is motivated by an intense interest in getting ahead—or rather, getting to new heights in pole vaulting—a sport that represents more than just an extracurricular activity for her; it’s a central part of who she is.
Growing up in Richmond, VA, Romano says that athletics was a mainstay of her early years. “I’m one of six siblings, and I’ve always been involved in sports,” she shares. “Before pole vaulting, I did gymnastics, played field hockey, and ran track.” The transition from gymnastics to pole vaulting was a natural progression for her, one that occurred when she was just 16 years old. After sustaining back injuries that forced her to step back from gymnastics, Romano’s mother suggested she try pole vaulting—a sport a former gymnastics teammate was excelling in.
From the moment she picked up the pole, Romano was hooked.
“I started pole vaulting in August 2020, right before my junior year of high school,” she recalls. “I really enjoy the fact that it is an upper-body sport that incorporates a lot of gymnastics techniques and strength. I love the feeling of taking off and having the pole propel me into the air. The feeling of clearing a bar is a feeling like no other.” For Romano, the sport offered a way to channel her love for gymnastics into something new, while still allowing her to use the skills she had honed over years of training.
Her love for pole vaulting grew, and it became a significant part of her life, ultimately influencing her decision to attend UVA. With deep family ties to the University—both of her parents are alumni, and other relatives attended or worked at UVA (“My grandpa even did construction on many of the buildings here, including the Rotunda,” she shares)—Romano had always envisioned herself becoming a Hoo. “UVA has great academics, sports teams, Grounds are beautiful, and the Charlottesville community is amazing. I grew up a UVA fan, and it was always my dream to attend here,” she says. “I even have a picture as a baby with a ‘UVA baby’ onesie.” Now, as a member of the UVA Track & Field team, Romano is living that dream, competing in the sport she loves for the school she’s proud to represent.
The challenges of pole vaulting arise from the need for precision, strength, and the ability to overcome fear when competing. “I’ve seen plenty of poles snap and concussions, and it’s pretty scary to witness,” Romano admits. “It is always difficult when you take time off and start vaulting again. Your first few jumps feel so foreign, and it is hard to trust yourself at first.” Despite these challenges, she has remained committed, continually pushing herself to improve.
Romano attributes much of her success to the support of her UVA Track & Field teammates. “We spend so much time training together that they became my second family,” she says. Two teammates in particular have been instrumental in her development as a pole vaulter. “Hanne Borstlap (Ph.D. Environmental Sciences ’27), a grad student who was new to UVA during my first year, and Trina Barcarola (M.S. in Commerce ’25) have really pushed me and helped me grow.” The camaraderie among the team, especially during events like the ACC Championships, where everyone comes together to cheer each other on, is something Romano deeply values.
Outside of pole vaulting and academics, she enjoys cooking and trying new recipes, and has recently taken up tennis and pickleball, sports she hopes to delve into more deeply when she has the time. “I also enjoy learning about health and would definitely want to spend more time watching crime shows and hanging out with my friends,” she adds.
Looking to the future, Romano is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, though she remains unsure of what specific career path she will pursue. “I’m not sure what type of career I want after I graduate, but I’m excited for post-grad,” she says. While she knows her current chapter is setting her up for a significant change in the one that follows, she plans to remain active and continue discovering and challenging herself. “Ideally, I would live in a new city I could explore,” she says, adding that she’s interested in trying her hand at new sports and exercise classes. “I plan to stay very active.”
