Ricardo Trujillo is a dedicated Pole Vault coach whose journey blends personal achievement, mentorship, and athlete development at every level of the sport.
As a vaulter, Ricardo competed at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), where he was a 2023–2024 3C2A State Finalist under the guidance of two-time Olympian Giovanni “Gio” Lanaro. After suffering a broken wrist and medically redshirting his 2022–2023 season, he used the time to study alongside Coach Gio, gaining a deeper understanding of the pole vault from a coach’s perspective.
Ricardo was introduced to Mt. SAC by USATF Pole Vault Chairman Brian Yokoyama, who, along with Carolyn Nguyen, coached him during high school and helped develop his foundation in the event.
Ricardo began coaching in 2021, volunteering at his alma mater, Walnut High School. Since then, his coaching career has flourished:
-
Developed pole vault phenom Breaden, California’s #1 freshman in 2024–2025, to a personal record of 14’9.25. He also guided Taylor, California’s #2 freshman girl, helping both athletes place 3rd and 4th at New Balance Outdoor Nationals.
-
Continues to coach Cornell graduate Andrew Barlow, who reached a PR of 5.35m (17 '5) after having a 5-year dry spell in college.
-
Coached Japanese athlete Shingo Sawa, who holds a PR of 5.61m (18’4)
-
Coached at Brea Olinda Highschool where Pole Vault has not been seen in 8 years, quickly developing his pole vaulters and dominating their league, guiding three girls and two boys to CIF.
Beyond his coaching, Ricardo is part of the directive staff for the National Pole Vault Summit in Reno, Nevada, and helps run Ultimate AC, a small pole vault club led in partnership with his mentor, Brian Yokoyama. In Ricardo’s free time, he is also a professional Track and Field Timer, where he has timed meets at UCLA, CSUF, APU, Mt.SAC Relays, and Mt.SAC XC Invite, the University of Redlands, and the PAC-12 Championships.
All before the age of 22, Ricardo has already mentored athletes to national podiums, helped revive entire programs, and continued learning from some of the sport’s most respected coaches. His coaching philosophy reflects his journey, allowing him to combine technical mastery, resilience through adversity, and a passion for helping athletes reach their highest potential.
