Eugene, Ore. – Sydney Horn wrapped up her college journey with a remarkable achievement. At the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, she earned a Second Team All-American honor, marking her ninth NCAA Championship appearance. Horn finished 10th in the women’s pole vault, clearing a height of 4.39 meters.
Her coach, Scott Houston, praised her historic career. “Sydney is a nine-time All-American – with seven on the first team and two on the second. It’s bittersweet to end this way since she’s qualified for every NCAA championship she tried for,” he said.
Horn has faced challenges, including a hamstring injury at the start of the outdoor season. Despite this, she made a strong comeback, even breaking the outdoor school record earlier in the season. “Finishing 10th in the country is still a huge accomplishment,” Houston added.
At the championships, Horn started at 4.09m, clearing it on her second try. She moved up to 4.24m and cleared that on her first attempt, showcasing her skills. She successfully cleared 4.39m on her first try as well but struggled at 4.44m, missing the mark after three attempts.
Sydney Horn’s achievements make her the most decorated athlete in High Point University’s history. Her journey reflects hard work, resilience, and dedication in the world of collegiate athletics.
A growing trend in collegiate sports emphasizes mental health alongside physical performance. Athletes like Horn often face pressures that can impact their performance. Recent surveys reveal that over 70% of student-athletes cite mental health as a significant factor in their training and competitions.
As sports evolve, the emphasis on supporting athletes both physically and mentally is becoming crucial. For more insights on the mental health of athletes, you can check out this CDC report.