ALBANY, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) – A Herkimer athlete has set a new mark for herself, while at the same time, earning a national honor.

Melia Couchman, a senior at Herkimer, recently competed in the pole vault at the Nike Indoor National Championships on March 10-12 at the Washington Avenue Armory in Albany. Her height of 12 feet, 4 ½ inches was enough to win her the event in the Emerging Elite category.

The mark was not only a personal best for Couchman, but also set a Center State Conference record. Her vault was also found to be the second highest height in Section III history, and the 24^th highest in New York State.

Couchman reached the New York State Indoor Track Championships in Staten Island earlier this month and was named an All-State Pole Vaulter. She placed fifth in Staten Island, with a jump of 11 feet.

Couchman was also a part of the Herkimer indoor team that won the Center State Conference and Section III championships while winning an individual league and sectional championship.