Meet Our Head Coach

Meet the Coach: Kaitlin (Petrillose) Kearney

Kaitlin—known to her athletes as "Coach Kate"—is a decorated NCAA Champion, a record-breaking alumna of the University of Texas at Austin, and the founder of Vault Lab.

Coach Kate’s legacy in the pit began with a dominant high school career, where she was a 2011 State Champion clearing an elite 13'8". Her transition to the "Forty Acres" cemented her status as one of the most technical and powerful vaulters in collegiate history. Competing as Kaitlin Petrillose, her relentless pursuit of excellence led to:

• NCAA Indoor National Champion (2014)

• 7-Time Big 12 Champion

• UT Program Record Holder: Over a decade later, Kate still holds the University of Texas school records for both Indoor and Outdoor Pole Vault.

Following a successful career in Corporate America as a Business Account Executive and a dedicated season as a stay-at-home mom to her two children, Breck and Emma, Kate has returned to her first love. Supported by her husband, Sean, she founded Vault Lab to bring her elite-level expertise to the athletes of Fleming Island, combining a champion’s mindset with a passion for mentoring the next generation.

"I’m so excited to be back in the pit and can’t wait to help you reach your next PR. Let's get to work!" — Coach Kate