Kira Sims (2016) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Kira Sims

Induction:
2016
Class:
2004

2001-04
Pole Vaulter
Bachelor's 2004 | Master's 2009

Three-time All-American in the pole vault, finishing as high as third at the 2003 NCAA Outdoor Championships … three-time MAC Champion … 2004 NCAA Mideast Region Champion … winner of the 2004 MAC Indoor Championships Most Valuable Performance award … was the first female student-athlete in league history to clear the 14-foot barrier … shares the school’s outdoor record of 14-01.25 with Carrie Kayes, who matched Sims’ mark five years later … set the MAC Championship Meet record (both indoor: 14-00.00; and outdoor: 14-01.25) in 2004 … 2004 Olympic Trials finalist.

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Three-time All-American Kira Sims was a pioneer pole vaulter on The University of Akron track and field team from 2001-04.

An Olympic Trials finalist in 2004, Sims was the only female athlete in MAC history to clear the 14-foot barrier, winning the Conference pole vault indoor championship in 2003 and 2004 and the outdoor championship in 2004. She finished third at the 2003 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

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As a senior, Sims jumped 14-feet at the MAC indoor championship, as well as twice during the 2004 outdoor season. She had a school and Conference record-setting jump of 14’ 1 ¼”. She was named the 2004 MAC Indoor Championships Most Valuable Performer.

Sims closed her collegiate career as the 2004 NCAA Mideast Regional pole vaulting champion.

“Kira was a big-time meet performer and one of the strongest athletes I have ever known,” said head track and field coach Dennis Mitchell. “She was the best finisher in Akron history at the Olympic Trials. An extremely versatile athlete, Kira also scored at the MAC Championships in the long jump and 4x100 relays.”

Sims received a bachelor’s degree in finance and French in 2004. She also earned a master’s degree from Akron in information systems management in 2009.

In 2012, Sims was named the No. 7 Female Athlete in school history by Akron’s Title IX committee.

“When I first attended the University of Akron in 2000, the University was still much of an underdog nationally,” Sims said. “We had just celebrated the first national champion in track and field, Christi Smith. Now, 16 years later, there have been five national champions and 32 first-team All-Americans. The Zips have recently been ranked as high as 10th nationally and sent three athletes to the 2016 Olympic Games. Therein lies the meaning of being a Zip. It means rising above expectations, setting new standards of excellence, and building a lasting legacy. Being a part of that legacy is my proudest accomplishment to date, and I am honored to be recognized as a member of the Hall of Fame.”