The Cornerstone track athlete set a school record with a jump of 38’ 10.5″ in her second attempt on March 7.

Vaughn has had an impressive track record through the years. She has represented her home country of Belize in over six Central American Championship games, both as a junior competitor and senior competitor. Throughout these games, Vaughn has earned three bronze medals, two silver medals and five gold medals.

After coming to Cornerstone last year, Vaughn immediately earned All-American honors in the triple jump at indoor nationals.

Leading up to this year’s nationals, Vaughn’s situation looked rocky.

“She had been having some major fits and hurting in her leg,” said Paul Koutz, assistant track coach. “So we had really curbed and re-did a lot of her workouts during the month heading into nationals. As a jumper, if you cannot jump, there are only so many workouts you can do and not expect to lose explosion.”

Early in this year’s national competition, Vaughn earned a place in finals with a personal best jump. Then, in finals, she rose to the tough level of competition to jump another personal best, placing her third.

“Being mentally tough and confident has helped her immensely,” said Koutz, “and will continue to propel her through training.”

Given her push through nagging injuries in the winter, this much is obvious.

“I know the little things I can work on,” said Vaughn. “There are things I could have done and changed that would have bettered my performance indoors, and I am planning to work on these during outdoors.”

Vaughn and Koutz are both looking forward to outdoors and a better performance still, perhaps even a national championship.