VU National Champion and North Knox grad Makinzi Meurer signs with Indiana State University

VINCENNES, Ind. – 2021 NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Pole vault National Champion and North Knox graduate Makinzi Meurer signed her letter of intent to continue her athletic and academic careers at Indiana State University Tuesday afternoon.

"What led me to choosing Indiana State was the welcoming atmosphere and the great program they have," Meurer said.

Meurer was part of a Trailblazer pole vaulting squad that produced three National Championships this season, as well as six top-three finishes at Nationals during the 2021 Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field seasons.

Meurer is a three-time NJCAA All-American, earning Second-Team honors in the Pole Vault during the 2019-20 Indoor Season, Second-Team honors during the 2021 Outdoor season and First-Team honors during the 2021 Indoor Season.

"Transferring to Vincennes University has been one of my best life decisions," Meurer added. "The coaching staff and program not only led me to be a better athlete, but a better student as well."

"Tim Marsee has been my coach for six year and without him by my side I would not be half of the competitor I am today," Meurer said. "He not only pushes his athletes to succeed but cares about them too."

"Chris Gafner welcomed me in with open arms and never stopped encouraging and supporting me. I will forever be thankful for the both of them."

"Makinzi was a phenomenal student-athlete for us at Vincennes University," VU Head Track and Field Coach Chris Gafner said. "She is a championship athlete and student and is among the best to ever come out of Knox County."

"I am very excited to see her take her talents to Indiana State," Gafner added. "ISU will be getting a student-athlete who is ready to go and compete at a high level right out of the gate. She will help make them a better team."

Meurer was not only a top-level pole vaulter for the Blazers this season however, she also added her name to the VU record books as a javelin thrower after posting a distance of 33.07 meters in early May.

"The legacy that I would like to leave behind for the next wave of athletes in Knox County is to never give up and always strive to be better," Meurer said. "When I placed second at Nationals last year, I was determined to be a National Champion this year. With hard work and the ability to trust and listen to your coaches, anything is possible."