For years, families across Katy ISD have watched Cinco Ranch High School senior Breeana Borresen soar above the bar at track meets across Texas. But as the accomplished pole vaulter prepares for one final run at the UIL State Track and Field Championships, her story has become about far more than medals, records or rankings.

It is a story about perseverance, mentorship, discipline and the kind of community support that shapes student-athletes long after the competition ends.

Borresen enters the 2026 UIL State Track Meet as one of the top pole vaulters in Texas and among the nation’s elite athletes in the event. After finishing second at state last season, the Virginia Tech signee is returning with one goal firmly in focus: bringing home gold for Cinco Ranch High School and Katy ISD.

“My big goal – it’s definitely winning state,” Borresen said. “That’s kind of what I’ve had my eyes on this whole season since last year’s state meet when I placed second. This year I’m aiming for that gold medal.”

One of Texas’ Top Pole Vaulters Returns to the State Stage

Pole vaulting is one of track and field’s most technically demanding events, requiring athletes to combine speed, strength, timing and trust in a matter of seconds. For Borresen, mastering those elements has taken years of repetition and relentless commitment.

Her personal best vault of 13 feet, 3 inches ranks 36th all-time in Texas history and 186th nationally, placing her among the most accomplished high school pole vaulters in the country. She has held the state record at various levels for years and has consistently dominated competitions since beginning her career in junior high.

Now, as the May 16 UIL State Championship approaches, Borresen believes she is on the verge of another breakthrough — clearing the 14-foot mark before concluding her high school career.

That pursuit represents more than another statistic. In the highly competitive world of Texas high school track and field, a 14-foot vault places athletes in rare company and often signals collegiate and even Olympic-level potential.

A Coach-Athlete Bond Built on Trust

Behind Borresen’s rise is a relationship that has become central to both her athletic and personal development.

Borresen credits longtime coach and mentor Barry Minter with helping her overcome not only physical challenges, but also the mental hurdles that come with elite competition. From injuries to performance anxiety, she says Minter’s guidance helped build the confidence that now fuels her success.

“He knows me more than just as an athlete, but as a person,” Borresen said. “As a former NFL player, he understands the pressures of high-level competition and has helped me navigate injuries, performance anxiety and stress. He’s never doubted me, even when I’ve doubted myself, and his positivity every single day inspires me and helps me see there can be a positive outcome to negative things.”

For families and athletes across Katy ISD, that kind of mentorship reflects the deeper impact school athletics can have within a community. Coaches often become trusted role models, helping students build resilience and character that extends well beyond graduation.

Minter believes Borresen’s ceiling remains extraordinarily high.

“People around here have seen her jump for years, but I don't think people understand what they see,” Minter said. “They see somebody who could potentially be an Olympian. They see somebody that could potentially be an NCAA pole vault champion. She is that type of athlete and student.”

A Family Tradition at Cinco Ranch High School

Borresen’s journey into pole vaulting began by following in the footsteps of her older sister, Bella.

She started training alongside her sister and Minter while in seventh grade and quickly developed a passion for the sport. Over time, she became the second Borresen athlete to leave a mark on Cinco Ranch’s pole vault program, continuing a family tradition that has become familiar to many in the Katy track and field community.

That continuity matters in a district like Katy ISD, where athletic programs are deeply woven into neighborhood identity and school pride. Student-athletes like Borresen become recognizable figures for younger competitors who dream of reaching the same stage one day.

Her involvement with younger students already reflects that influence.

Borresen volunteers at Seven Lakes Junior High School, where her mother works, helping with track meets and mentoring younger pole vaulters. She is also involved with Cougars Achieving Through Service (CATS), demonstrating the balance of athletics, academics and community involvement that many colleges actively seek.

Excellence Beyond the Track

While Borresen’s accomplishments on the runway have drawn national attention, coaches and recruiters also saw something equally important in the classroom.

A member of the National Honor Society, she will arrive at Virginia Tech with much of her freshman coursework already completed through AP and dual credit classes. Her academic preparation and leadership helped attract interest from universities across the country before ultimately choosing Virginia Tech.

At the collegiate level, Borresen plans to major in business and marketing while continuing her pole vault career in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Though she is still exploring long-term career plans, she has expressed interest in entrepreneurship and social media marketing — fields that combine creativity, strategy and communication.

That blend of athletic excellence and academic achievement continues to resonate throughout Katy-area schools, where families increasingly value opportunities that prepare students for success both during and after athletics.

What Happens Next

Borresen’s immediate focus now shifts to the UIL State Track and Field Championships, where she hopes to capture the state title that narrowly escaped her last season.

For Cinco Ranch High School and the broader Katy community, her final high school competition represents more than a championship pursuit. It is the culmination of years of dedication, community support and personal growth that younger athletes throughout Katy ISD are already watching closely.

As she prepares for one final vault in a Cinco Ranch uniform, Borresen says the legacy she hopes to leave behind is rooted in perseverance and passion for the sport itself.

Whether she reaches 14 feet, claims the gold medal or both, her impact on Katy ISD’s track and field community is already firmly established.

Residents can stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continued coverage of Katy ISD athletics.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.