Nathalia Veal

Photo by: Austin Hutchings

Class:
Freshman
Events:
Pole Vault
Hometown:
Branford, Fla.
Height:
5-7
High School:
Branford
Squadron:
04 Fightin' Fourth

SOPHOMORE YEAR | 2023-24: Competed in 14 pole vault competitions…recorded first 12-foot clearance of career (12’0”) to win the Colorado Indoor Invitational …improved clearance to 12’1½” at the Mountain West Indoor Championships…moved into a tie for No. 19 on the Academy’s all-time standings with that height…competed in six meets during the outdoor portion of the season…recorded a season-best height of 11’6½” to finish within the top half of the field (ninth) at the CU Invitational, although that meet was contested indoors due weather.

FRESHMAN YEAR | 2022-23: Competed in the pole vault 16 times (eight indoor, eight outdoor)…recorded a career-best clearance of 11’10” during a fourth-place performance at the Don Kirby Elite Invitational…that height is ranked No. 21 on the program’s all-time indoor standings…named Mountain West Freshman of the Week following that meet…first debuted on the Academy’s Top 25 with an 11’5¾” outing at the Invitational at the Peak…won the Colorado Invitational with a mark of 10’11¾”…recorded an outdoor-best clearance of 11’4¼” at the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate to debut at No. 25 on the Academy’s all-time outdoor standings…also surpassed the 11-foot bar for a top-five finish at the Tom Benich Invitational (11’3¾”).

HIGH SCHOOL: Branford High School…two-time Lake City Reporter’s All-Area Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year (2021, 2022)…claimed fourth-place finishes in both the pole vault and 100-meter hurdles at the Florida 1A state championships as a junior and senior…also medaled in the 300-meter hurdles both years…five-time state qualifier…holds school records in the pole vault, 100-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles…also ran on the 4x400-meter relay that set a school record…also competed in weight-lifting…state champion in snatch (2022)…also medaled in traditional after finishing fifth that year…three-time state qualifier…named to the Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team…named AP Scholar, with Honors…received an AP Capstone Diploma (2022)…earned top-10 placement at the state’s FFA Environmental Science Career Development event three times…served as president of the National Honor Society and Interact Club…member of the Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes…class valedictorian.

PERSONAL: Full name is Nathalia Elizabeth Veal…nickname is Nat…daughter of William and Karen Veal…both parents served in the Army…has two older sisters, including one who is currently serving in the Coast Guard…majoring in systems engineering, with a focus in human factors…future plans include becoming a pilot…named to the Commandant’s List for excellence in military performance…also received the Athletic Director’s pin…currently serving as the Senior Element Leader for her squadron…enjoys hiking, golfing and pretty much anything outdoors…traveled to Luke AFB, Ariz., for Operation Air Force over the summer…received an incentive ride in an F-16 while on Ops…also served as cadre from Demons Alpha during Basic Cadet Training…member of Cadet Squadron 33.