Peak Performer of the Week: Andrea Willis, The Classical Academy girls' track and field

Andrea Willis enjoyed breaking the pole vaulting state record so much that she did it twice last week.

The Classical Academy senior cleared the bar at 13 feet, 4.25 inches at the Longmont Invite on March 28, then outdid herself with a 13-5 at the Palmer Invitational at Garry Berry April 2.

"It's surreal," Willis said. "It was a goal of mine starting last year, and I feel relieved and thankful to have my name in the record books. It was a big moment to officially break the record because I had jumped that high four times in the indoor season, so it was a matter of going out and doing it. Weather messes with things in Colorado, so you never know if it will be ideal for vaulting."

The weather was no match the Kansas University commit, as she bested the record held by Elizabeth Stover of Longmont since 2008.

Willis has a background in gymnastics, which made her a perfect fit for pole vaulting. While she's only been doing it for three years - she won the 3A state title in 2014 and the 4A title last season - Willis has become a historically great vaulter.

"She's used to running fast over short distances and is very strong and comfortable being in the air and doing acrobatic movements," TCA coach Tim Daggett said of Willis. "She's completely calm, while also being fearless. A lot of times athletes get nervous and emotional and start to doubt themselves, but Andrea has never been like that. She's always calm, and the moment is never too big for her."

Since breaking a state record, Willis has become even more popular at school.

"There were teachers I didn't even know coming up and congratulating me, so it's great to know I have that kind of support," she said. "I'm thankful for the opportunities I've been given and that God gave me these abilities. It seems like I was made for pole vaulting."

Willis' 6-foot-0, 140-pound frame fits the prototype for the event. Her strength and athleticism are rivaled by few in the state, and her coach says Willis can soar to even bigger heights.

"You don't see many girls who can do 20-plus pullups," Daggett said. "Andrea has tremendous shoulder strength and she's a freak athlete. But she's still very approachable and isn't too cool for anybody. She talks to everyone and isn't above the team in any way. She's very humble and everybody loves her."

Willis remains hungry for more success, and has her eyes on the national rankings. That also means she isn't resting on her laurels, and will be looking for a third state title before heading to Lawrence, Kan.

"It would mean a lot to win a third title, and it would help the school," she said. "We've always had great track teams here, but never had any great pole vaulters, so this completes the circle in a way. We have so many talented athletes on the team contributing, and I'm thankful I can do my part. Setting the standard at TCA motivates me."