While few women in the history of women's track and field at PCC have even attempted to try the pole vault, Elizabeth Heskett took the event to its highest level in 2001.

With a gymnast background in sports, Heskett learned and took to the pole vault quickly. She set the then JC national record and in the PV at 12 feet, 7 inches at the U.S. Elite Meet in Chula Vista. She went on to record the pole vault triple crown by winning the South Coast Conference, Southern California and then state titles.

Heskett broke the state meet record in leaping 12-2 on her first attempt at American River College, a full foot higher than the rest of the field. Heskett's 12-7 mark remains a school record.