Newsletter
September 2026 Newsletter
September at AZPVA: fall training, camps, and Reno registration
Fall is right around the corner, and with it comes one of the most important stretches of the year for our athletes.
Whether you’ve been training consistently all summer or have taken some time away from the runway, now is the time to start building toward the upcoming season. September brings Fall Training, camp preparation, Reno registration, and a few important practice updates.
Here’s what’s happening at AZPVA.
Schedule update
There will be no AZPVA practice on Saturday, September 12.
As always, keep a close eye on the schedule for the most current practice information and any additional changes.
Last chance for Fall Training
We often get questions about the difference between regular club practice and Fall Training.
Club practice is where our athletes get consistent opportunities to vault, work with AZPVA coaches, and continue developing their technique on the runway.
Fall Training takes a broader approach to preparing for the season ahead. The goal is to develop the complete athlete and build the physical foundation that supports better pole vaulting once competition season arrives.
The fall gives athletes an opportunity to put in that work now, rather than trying to build everything at once when the season begins.
If you’ve been considering joining us for Fall Training, this is your last chance to get involved. Fall Training details.
Still sitting on the sidelines?
Competition season has a way of getting here quickly.
If you took some time off after the spring or summer season, that’s okay — but now is a great time to start getting back on the runway.
You don’t need to be in peak form today. The goal is to give yourself enough time to rebuild consistency, get comfortable vaulting again, and progressively prepare your body for the demands of the upcoming season.
Don’t wait until the first meet is around the corner to start preparing.
Get back to practice, get your jumps in, and start building toward the season now.
Fall and Winter Camps — registration is open
Two of our biggest training weekends of the year are coming up, and registration is now open for both Fall Camp and Winter Camp at the Arizona Pole Vault Academy in Queen Creek.
Our two-day camps are designed for vaulters of all levels and give athletes an opportunity to go beyond a normal practice session. Camp takes a hands-on, individualized approach to developing the complete pole vaulter, with activities that may include pole vaulting, video analysis, gymnastics, speed and plyometric training, strength training, recovery, sport psychology, and more.
Fall Camp | October 24–25, 2026
Fall Camp is coming up quickly and is a great opportunity to put in a concentrated weekend of work as we transition toward the upcoming competition season.
Camp runs 9:00 AM–5:30 PM Saturday and 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Sunday, with dinner and games following Saturday’s training.
- Commuter: $399 — includes camp, lunch, and dinner.
- Overnighter: $599 — includes camp, all meals, and accommodations at the Starkey Ranch. Overnight accommodations are limited.
Participation is first-come, first-served, with limited spots available.
Winter Camp | December 29–30, 2026
Winter Camp returns December 29–30 and gives athletes another opportunity for two focused days of training right before we head into the heart of the indoor and high school seasons.
For athletes who want to enter the new year with some quality vaulting under their belt, this is an excellent opportunity to work with the AZPVA coaching staff, identify areas for improvement, and get ready for the season ahead.
Meet the camp coaches
Athletes will have the opportunity to work with an experienced group of AZPVA coaches:
- Dean Starkey — 19’5” PR · 1997 World Championships Bronze Medalist
- Garrett Starkey — 18’5” PR · Sports Performance Expert
- Nathan Hiett — 17’8” PR · Arizona State University Standout
- Tray Oates — 19’2” PR · 4th at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials
Our camps are about more than simply taking more jumps. We want athletes to better understand their vault, identify strengths and weaknesses, develop the physical qualities that support the event, and leave camp with a clearer idea of what they need to work on next.
Typical eligibility is ages 12–18, with exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis. Athletes traveling from outside Arizona are welcome, and overnight campers may be able to arrange an additional night at the Starkey Ranch around their travel schedule.
We hope to see you at camp. View camps.
Reno registration is open
It’s time to start thinking about Reno.
Registration for the 2027 National Pole Vault Summit is officially open.
The Summit returns January 15–16, 2027 and welcomes athletes of all ages and skill levels. The weekend brings together vaulters and coaches from around the country for competition, education, learn-by-doing sessions, and an experience that has become a staple of the pole vault community.
If Reno is on your calendar this season, registering early is a good idea.
2027 National Pole Vault Summit
January 15–16, 2027
Reno, Nevada
Early-bird athlete registration: $160 through September 30.
High school athletes should pay particular attention to registration. The Summit has noted that high school divisions have limited space and may sell out regardless of the registration deadline.
We’re looking forward to another great AZPVA showing in Reno.
Saturday practices remain at 7:00 AM
Arizona hasn’t quite gotten the message that fall is coming yet.
For the next few weeks, Saturday practices will remain at 7:00 AM while we wait for temperatures to cool down.
As the weather changes, Saturday practice times may change as well. Please keep a close eye on the schedule before heading to practice so you always have the most current time.
And remember: there is no practice Saturday, September 12.
Financial assistance through MyPoleVault.com
We believe financial circumstances shouldn’t be the reason a committed athlete has to step away from the sport. AZPVA is proud to be a participating club with MyPoleVault.com, a nonprofit organization that helps pole vaulters access the training and opportunities they need to continue progressing.
MyPoleVault.com offers financial assistance in three areas: recurring support for pole vault club dues, one-time assistance to attend pole vault camps, and support for elite vaulters pursuing higher-level training and competition.
If the cost of club training or one of our upcoming camps is creating a barrier for your family, we encourage you to learn more about the program and see if financial assistance may be available.
There’s a lot ahead over the next several months, and September is the perfect time to start building some momentum.
Whether that means getting back on the runway, joining Fall Training, preparing for camp, or getting Reno on the calendar, we’re excited to see our athletes putting in the work now that will pay off later in the season.
See you at the pit,
Your AZPVA Staff