Appalachian State's Nichols Earns Sun Belt Indoor Field Athlete of the Week

Sophomore pole vaulter sets new program and conference record

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Appalachian State sophomore Lilly Nichols collected her first Sun Belt Conference Women's Indoor Field Athlete of the Week honor of the 2026 season (second of her career) after setting a new program and conference record in the pole vault at the Doc Hale VT Meet on Feb. 6-7.

Why it matters

Nichols' record-breaking performance highlights the strength of Appalachian State's track and field program and her individual talent as a pole vaulter. This award recognition helps raise the profile of the Mountaineers' athletics program and Nichols' personal achievements.

The details

Nichols reset her own Appalachian State program and Sun Belt regular season women's indoor pole vault record with a clearance of 4.27m (14' 0"), placing sixth in Saturday's competition. She surpassed her previous record of 4.26m (13' 11.75") that she set in her collegiate debut on Jan. 17, 2025, also in Blacksburg, Va.

  • Nichols set the new record at the Doc Hale VT Meet on Feb. 6-7, 2026.
  • Nichols previously set the program and conference record on Jan. 17, 2025.

The players

Lilly Nichols

A sophomore pole vaulter for the Appalachian State Mountaineers track and field team.

Appalachian State Athletics

The athletics department of Appalachian State University, located in Boone, North Carolina.

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What’s next

The Mountaineers will close out the indoor regular season with the VMI Winter Classic in Lexington, Va. on Feb. 14 before heading to Birmingham, Ala. for the Sun Belt Indoor Championships on Feb. 23-24.

The takeaway

Lilly Nichols' record-breaking performance in the pole vault demonstrates the strength and talent of Appalachian State's track and field program, and her individual accomplishments will help raise the profile of the Mountaineers' athletics.