Track & Field Freshman Spotlight: Laura Marty

DURHAM, N.C. – The Duke Director of Track & Field Norm Ogilvie and the Blue Devils welcome freshman Laura Marty, a product of Seattle, Wash., to the program for the 2017 campaign.

Prior to Duke: Marty joins the Blue Devils from Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle, Wash., and specializes in pole vault. Marty has set the Washington state record multiple times during her career and owns a personal-best clearance of 13-7 (4.14). She is the 2016 Tony Burkardt Award recipient, which is given to a student-athlete that overcomes adversity, and is the Washington State girl's decathlon record holder. Off the track, Marty was a member of the National Honor Society, the Washington Athletic Club Scholar-Athlete recipient and the St. Thomas Aquinas Academic Achievement Award winner.

How did you get started in track & field?
LM: My brother ran track and our elementary and middle school had a pretty good program. I started in third grade running with the fourth graders. I started pole vaulting when I was a freshman in high school.
What is your favorite track & field memory?
LM: The state meet freshman year was my first big competition. I didn't do very well but I was surrounded by my awesome teammates and I still have a lot of fun memories from that trip.
Which competition result are you most proud of and why?
LM: Junior Nationals after my junior year. It was qualification for the Pan Am Games in Canada. I didn't actually qualify but I jumped really well with older girls and proved to myself that I could do well.
What is one piece of advice you would give to young athletes?
LM: Don't be afraid to try a new sport or a new aspect of a sport. I was a distance runner until high school and then switched to pole vaulting, which is completely opposite. Don't be afraid to take that leap if it's something you want to do because you might as well try it out.
What are your goals for this season?
LM: I want to be able to compete at the level I did before I got injured and have a solid season.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life?
LM: My brother because I kind of always followed and looked up to him, which led me to track and sports. He was also really focused on his academics which made me strive to be like him in that aspect.
Why did you choose Duke?
LM: There are a couple of reasons why. The first is that I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Duke is an amazing academic school as well as having an amazing track program. I also wanted the adventure. I'm from all the way across the country, so I really wanted to step out of my comfort zone.
If you were to play another sport, what would it be?
LM: I'd be a gymnast for sure. I did gymnastics when I was younger for a bit, but never got really far in it. I still walk around my dorm room on my hands. I love being upside down and flipping through the air. What do you plan to major in?
LM: As of right now, I want to major in psychology with a minor in education so I can teach elementary school.
Do you have a hidden talent?
LM: I can ride a unicycle.
Favorite late-night snack?
LM: Dried mangos
What emoji best describes you?
LM: The upside down smiley face because I'm always upside down.
If you could only eat one food for the next five years, what would it be?
LM: Watermelon

Quick Facts:
Favorite athlete: Ashton Eaton
Favorite TV show: Psych
Favorite book: Ender's Game
Favorite movie: Ender's Game
Favorite musician: Ben Rector or old school Taylor Swift

#GoDuke