April Steiner Bennett (2015)

Mt. View High School Mesa, AZ, Paradise Valley Community College Phoenix, AZ, University of Arkansas

A 6-time All-American at both NJCAA and NCAA levels in the pole vault, became an NJCAA Record Holder/Champion clearing 12'8”, then transferred to the University of Arkansas to become the first SEC athlete to clear 13’. In 2007 Bennett finished with a Silver Medal at the Pan American Games and went on to finish 2nd at the 2008 US Olympic Trials, earning a spot to the Beijing Olympic Games where she finished 8th.
  • 2012: 5th at Olympic Trials Alternate for London Olympic Games (4.40m/ 14°5.25) 2010: USA Outdoors 9th (4.30m/14'1.25)
  • 2009: 4th at USA Outdoor Championships Alternate for Berlin World Team (4.45m/14'7.25) Ranked 5th in U.S. by T&FN
  • 2008: 8th at Olympic Games (4.55m/14'11.5); 2nd at Olympic Trials (4.60m/15'1.5); Ranked #2 in the U.S. by T&FN
  • 2007: 2nd at Pan American Games (4.40m/14’5.25); 6th at USA Outdoors (4.35m/14'3.5); Ranked #4 in the US by T&FN
  • 2005 and 2006: 6th at US Outdoors (4.30m/14'1.25); U.S. Ranked #9 by T&FN in ‘06; #5 in U.S. by T&FN in ‘05
  • 2004: 5th at Olympic Trials (4.45m/14'7.25)/ U.S. Ranked #8 by T&FN
  • 2003: 3rd at NCAA Indoors (4.35m/14'3.5); SEC Champion Outdoor, 8th at NCAA Outdoors (4.10m/13'5.25) School Record Holder
  • 2002: Tied for 4th at NCAA Indoor Championships (4.15m/13'7.25)
  • Three-Time All-American NJCAA at Paradise Valley Community College Phoenix, AZ, NCJCAA Record holder (12’8); 3-Time All-American NCAA University of Arkansas 2000 NJCAA Champion and Record Holder for Paradise Valley CC (12’8)

​In 2004 April appeared on the reality TV show “FEAR FACTOR”. After a grueling competition, she was the winner, pocketing the $50,000 prize which helped her pay for her training to the 2008 Olympic Games.