NAPLES, Fla. — In just a few weeks, many college athletes will be back on campus in the full swing of training. Havana Layton, a recent Naples High School graduate, is getting ready to head up north for double the preparation at the University of Vermont.
Havana has been a swimmer for most of her life. With her mom, Monet Layton, as the high school swimming coach at Naples High School, it was a no-brainer.
“I’ve just been doing swimming for so long that I can’t imagine my life without it,” said Havana.
“She is one of the most dedicated and hardworking swimmers that I’ve ever met,” said Monet Layton. “I know she’s my daughter too, but take that out of the equation and she’s just a go-getter.”
She continued on to be a star swimmer for the Golden Eagles, setting records and getting promoted to captain of the team. She also won the Pitman Award at Naples High School, given to one top male and female athlete at the school. But she knew she wanted to try something fresh and new as well. Something unique — like pole vaulting!
“My uncle encouraged me to try pole vault because he was a pole vaulter at UF,” said Havana. “So he was like, ‘you should try it. It’s really fun.’ I was like, ‘it looks a little scary, but I’ll try it.’ After the first day, I was like, ‘this is so much fun. I want to keep doing it.’”
So… she did! And she quickly realized how much she loved it.
“You’re just literally flying through the air,” said Havana. “There’s nothing that is more exhilarating and exciting than that.”
“We were just kind of shocked,” said Monet. “She said she actually likes pole vault more than swim, which was kind of like a shot to the heart but I can see her smiling there.”
Despite the grueling schedule of being a two-sport athlete, Havana was able to succeed in both sports while also juggling the responsibilities as class president.
“You need to be able to work towards goals and learn time management,” said Havana. “I think learning how to prioritize certain things is something I’ve really learned by doing two sports.”
Havana received several scholarships to swim in college, but she knew she didn’t want to give up pole vaulting, so she looked for universities that would allow her to compete in both sports. After a handful of schools offered her the opportunity to participate in both, she eventually chose the University of Vermont.
“It does make me really proud,” said Monet. “I think she’s gonna thrive there. She’s up for anything.”
As Havana packs up her life in Southwest Florida, she’s ready to embrace the big change of scenery in New England.
“I wanted to try to live in the cold and I know it’s gonna be totally different,” said Havana. “But I’m excited to try that.”