Soaring Higher: Tori Thomas Sets Sights on LA 2028
A member of our Pioneer family, Tori Thomas, is destined for great heights. From her days setting records on the Alleman track to her dominant collegiate career at the University of Illinois, Tori has consistently pushed the boundaries of the pole vault. Now, as a post-collegiate athlete, she has officially shifted her focus to the world stage: the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Tori’s journey began right here at Alleman as a standout multi-sport athlete. She capped her high school career as the 2021 IHSA Class 2A State Champion, setting a state record with a vault of 4.07 m.
She continued her ascent with the Fighting Illini, where she became one of the most decorated vaulters in program history. Her collegiate accolades include:
Big Ten Champion: Claimed the outdoor title in 2024 with a meet-record vault of 4.52m (14’ 10”).
All-American: Earned back-to-back Indoor All-American honors (2024 and 2025), becoming the first woman in Illinois history to do so in the pole vault.
Record Breaker: Set the UI program and Big Ten indoor records with a massive personal best of 4.57m (15’ 0”) in early 2025.
Following a strong showing at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, Tori is now training as a professional “Olympic Hopeful”. She is currently ranked among the top vaulters in the nation and continues to train at the University of Illinois to refine her speed and technique. For Tori, pole vaulting is a “day-by-day, step-by-step process” fueled by the same “mentally tough” spirit she displayed as a Pioneer. Tori shared “I appreciate my Alleman family and all of the continued support. I’m proud to be a Pioneer and represent Alleman on the world stage. Alleman has prepared me well!”
As Tori navigates the professional circuit competing in major events like the USA National Championships and the Millrose Games, she needs the support of the community that watched her first take flight. Whether through sponsorships, following her journey on social media, or simply cheering her on, every bit of encouragement helps her reach that next bar.
You can follow and support Tori through her official web page at www.torianathomas.com or on Instagram at @toriana.thomas. Let’s show Tori that Alleman is behind her every step of the way to 2028!