Chin has established herself as one of the top vaulters in the nation this season (Indiana Media Relations)

1. How did you find yourself at Indiana University? And, what convinced you to attend school in your hometown?

The visit! When I first started looking at colleges, I did not want to stay in Indiana because I wanted to get away. Although I grew up in Bloomington, I had never actually been to the IU campus. When I visited I got along really well with the team, especially with the pole vaulters. At the visit, I did not sense that everyone was thinking: "Oh, it's a recruit, no big deal…" They made me feel really welcome and I felt like I connected with them. After the visit, I was telling my dad that other schools would have to be amazing for me not to come to Indiana.

2. When did you begin pole vaulting?

I started my sophomore year in high school so that's about four years. I was a gymnast for 14 or 15 years prior. In high school, I did gymnastics and track and field both my sophomore and junior. I had a stint as a swimmer for a year. And, volleyball for a couple years, but I was too short. At least that's what my dad told me.

3. You have already declared a major. Why did you choose dietetics?

I've always been interested in the culinary arts. I looked into things that most closely related to what I found here at Indiana University, and dietetics is my intended major as of right now.

4. What are you doing with your spare time?

I definitely hang out with teammates and other people outside the team. I'm looking into going to get a job.

5. You've gone from vaulting at 12' 3" to nearly fourteen feet. What's been the difference?

The biggest difference was the training. My senior year I didn't get any higher height. When I started jumping, all that training helped get my body to do what I wanted it to do, and that I knew I was capable of but not doing in high school. Vaulting has just been easier.

6. How has goal-setting impacted your performance this season?

I can't say that we have any set goals. The coaches know that I have a lot of potential to go far. I was just trying to be a better and stronger vaulter, and the coaches and I have been on the same page.

7. How has your new coaching relationship worked at IU? And, what are differences with in-season training?

Our assistant vault coach Jake Wiseman is a good friend of my high school coach. I think it's pretty much the same with the drills, but with conditioning for 2-3 months it has been the development of my muscular strength. I have been able to get my hips higher.

8. What type of pole are you jumping on?

I jump with a USC Spirit pole. And, I think the biggest one I've jumped on is 14-foot 165-pound.

9. As a vaulter, you have to be versatile. You call on different aspects of the track and field athlete: the sprinter, jumper and thrower. How have your capabilities influenced your training interactions with your teammates?

During the conditioning phase, we're altogether. But once we're jumping, the pole vaulters are all together (working separately). We all know each other and are pretty strong as a team. The team unity is so much better than it was last year. And, I guess this year everyone pretty much knows another.

10. What type of competitor are you?

I think, in general, I'm pretty laid back. If I feel angry because I did not clear a height in the vault, you will see that. Usually, I'm pretty calm.

11. What inspires you in your pole vaulting?

My whole surrounding, I guess. All of my teachers give me a lot of support. And, I go to see my high school track team every now and then. The team and coaches at Indiana University are my biggest supporters. They cheer me on when I'm in competition. My parents are really supportive, too.

12. What are you focusing on now in terms of technical skill in the pole vault?

We are working on the plant to get it where I want it to be, and turning earlier so that I don't hit the bar when I coming up so that it won't fall off.

13. Do you want to take your career as far as one can go?

Yeah. Definitely.

14. How high are you hoping to vault this year?

I don't know if I'm trying to be in the Olympics, but if I jumped high enough height I would get myself into the Trials.