Educator Larsen is Masters Champ and Mentor!
Master’s pole-vaulter and educator Lynn Larsen, Ph.D., has reached new heights in her visionary work with neurodiverse students.
LONG BEACH, CA (GVP) — Lynn Larsen, Ph.D., has spent over a decade nurturing young minds as a dedicated advocate for inclusive education, particularly for neurodiverse students often dismissively labeled as merely disabled.
Reflecting the resilience she fosters in her students, she embraced pole vaulting at age 50, conquering injuries and fears to excel in this challenging sport. Her unyielding pursuit of excellence has since earned her four national championships, making her one of the top W55 vaulters in the world!
Dr. Lynn Larsen, back row center, is a champion for neurodiverse students.
Larsen, who recently won the gold medal at the 2024 USATF Masters Indoor Championships, cleared a personal best of 8-6 (2.6m) at the Reno Pole Vault Summit in January. She has her sights set on clearing 9-0 at the upcoming Pasadena Senior Games, Pan American Games, and USATF Masters Outdoor National Championships.
Also on the rise is her passion project, Odyssey Inclusive, a unique competition which empowers neurodiverse students to reach new heights, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
The former Volunteer State Director for SoCal Odyssey of the Mind launched the program in 2023, championing inclusivity for neurodiverse students.
Neurodiverse students encompass individuals with a range of neurological differences, including but not limited to autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome. Unlike traditional views that pathologize these differences into “disabilities”, the concept of neurodiversity recognizes them as natural variations in the human brain, each with its strengths and challenges.
Embracing neurodiversity involves fostering environments that accommodate diverse learning styles and support the unique needs of neurodiverse individuals, promoting inclusion and celebrating the richness of cognitive diversity within educational settings and beyond.
Hard work and perseverance has paid off for Larsen, leading to four national masters titles.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the program,” Larsen says. “Students with disabilities now have the opportunity to learn about creativity, problem solving, and teamwork, while developing and showcasing their academic and performing arts skills. We had a tremendously successful pilot season this past year, and will be rolling it out around the country starting in the fall.”
True to her mission of promoting courage in overcoming barriers, Dr. Larsen has ranked among the top masters pole vaulters W55 in the world!
Triumph over adversity is the story of Odyssey Inclusive, as well as one of Larsen’s favorite young adult novels, "Maggie Vaults Over the Moon." It’s a tale of resilience and triumph, following Maggie Steele, a determined young woman who discovers pole vaulting as a means of overcoming adversity. Through grit, perseverance, and the support of her community, Maggie learns valuable lessons about resilience, self-discovery, and the power of pursuing one's dreams against all odds.
For both Larsen and Maggie Steele, pole vaulting isn’t just about the sport; it’s about jumping over the difficult parts of life. Their stories are about not giving up, even when things get tough, and following your passions no matter what.
“I have never been afraid to take on a new challenge,” she says.
Despite initial setbacks, including a severe ankle sprain before her first major competition, Lynn’s journey as a masters pole vaulter has taught her the importance of resilience, adaptability, and mental fortitude. These lessons are imparted to her students, encouraging them to transform challenges into stepping stones for success.
Masters champion and ‘Maggie’ lover Dr. Lynn Larsen has soared with the help from her awesome coach, Murray Mead.
In Maggie Vaults Over the Moon, each chapter ends with thought-provoking questions created by sport psychologist and performance coach, Dr. Melissa White, to encourage mid-grade readers to consider and better understand the themes of resilience and perseverance in their own lives.
“I think any middle or high school student would love Maggie Vaults Over the Moon as it touches on so many important aspects of that age group,” Larsen says. “I also found the information about vaulting to be written clearly for any novice vaulter to understand. It would have piqued my interest in the sport, for sure!”
From humble beginnings as a novice vaulter to her triumphs on the national stage, Larsen's evolution as a pole vaulter exemplified the same qualities that defined her as an educator: grit, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“As I strive to provide opportunities for students with disabilities, there are many roadblocks and plenty of people who focus on what students with disabilities can’t do,” Larsen says, “but if we have a mindset of focusing on everyone’s strengths and talents, providing appropriate supports to level the playing field, then the potential is limitless!”
DR. LARSEN’S REVIEW
Maggie Vaults Over the Moon is a rare story that features an accurate depiction of what it takes to learn pole vault. The main character, Maggie, is a tenacious girl who overcomes tragedy and adversity to discover and pursue a newly-discovered passion in sport, while learning more about herself in the process. I highly recommend this young adult novel for anyone interested in pole vault and anyone who wants to read a delightful coming of age tale. The discussion questions provided after each chapter encourage the reader to think deeply and reflect on the important themes of the book. — Lynn Larsen, Ph.D., Educator and Masters National Champion
Discover the inspiring tale of "Maggie Vaults Over the Moon," celebrated by Kirkus Reviews as "a fine YA novel about perseverance in sports and in life." Brilliantly narrated by Tavia Gilbert, the Audiobook Narrator of the Year, this story will captivate anyone interested in overcoming challenges. Purchase your copy today and let Maggie's journey inspire you to soar to new heights!
