Eugenie "Ann" Wise Boulet
April 2, 2008Getting fit for the beach; good books to take along
April 4, 2008
Amber Laurent has not garnered the national attention or accolades like twin sister Rachel, but she has been a standout pole vaulter.
Carrying on a tradition started by her grandfather, Amber began vaulting at Vandebilt in eighth grade. Initially, she and Rachel were distance runners.
As Amber got better, she decided to concentrate exclusively on the pole vault. The solitary work has paid off, allowing her to compete in national meets against the best of her peers.
Last season, Amber finished fourth in Class 4A and plans to improve on that mark in this her senior year. SportsNet caught up with the blonde leaping Laurent to ask about her part of the family legacy and her future plans.
SportsNet: How did you and Rachel do at the LSU Relays on Friday?
Amber Laurent: I had a 10 [foot] 4 [inch] vault for third place and Rachel won with a 12 [foot] 4 [inch vault].
SN: Who is older, you or Rachel and by how long?
AL: I am by 45 seconds.
SN: How did you get started in pole vaulting?
AL: I just thought it something fun to do. It looked challenging.
SN: You were in gymnastics before pole vaulting? How does gymnastics help you as a pole vaulter?
AL: Gymnastics really built up my upper body strength. That helps when you’re trying to swing your body over the bar.
SN: How have you improved during your years at Vandebilt and coach Trosclair?
AL: Coach Trosclair has made every part of my vaulting better, but especially my running. I’m much faster and smoother on my approach.
SN: What is your personal best?
AL: Eleven feet. I’ve done that three times.
SN: On a 1-to-10 scale, how close have you come to a perfect vault?
AL: I don’t know, but I haven’t been close. I don’t think anyone can make a perfect vault.
SN: Have you ever beat Rachel at the pole vault?
AL: If there’s no crossbar.
SN: Coach Trosclair said you were progressing well through last summer, but you have stalled, particularly your run approach. What explains the regression?
AL: Honestly, I have no clue.
SN: He said you should be able to clear 12, 12-6 easily once you get your approach back. Can you do it by the state championships?
AL: I sure am going to try.
SN: What made you decide to accept a scholarship offer from UL Lafayette? What other schools were you considering?
AL: I visited there on a recruiting trip. I liked the coaches, the facilities, and the team was really fun to be around. I was considering LSU, but once I talked to the coaches and saw the facilities, I decided to go to UL.
SN: Have you decided on a major?
AL: Art. I am into photography a lot. So I might focus on that.
SN: When you leave for college, it will be the first time you and Rachel will live apart. How do feel about it?
AL: It’s going to be hard, but I think it is going to be good for us to live on our own.
SN: What is it like being a local celebrity?
AL: I’m not the celebrity. Rachel is.
SN: You have some spotlight too!
AL: A little bit.
SN: Your 14-year-old brother is taking up pole vaulting at Vandebilt. Are you and Rachel going to school him or let coach Trosclair guide him?
AL: I’m going to let coach Trosclair train him.
