Measuring success for Nicole Salerno could be simple. In her last two seasons alone, she won 10 American Southwest Conference titles, set two school records, was named to the 2005-06 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team, and was an NCAA Division III all-American in the 4X400-meter relay her senior season for McMurry’s track program.

This list of credentials is enough set apart any athlete from the rest. However, looking at a list of athletic accolades isn’t enough to describe the type of example and character Salerno personified while a student athlete at McMurry University.

“Nicole has always had to work for everything she got,” said head coach Barbara Crousen. “When she came to McMurry she was a seven foot pole vaulter and a 16 foot long jumper, but it was her work ethic that made her the athlete that she became.”

By the time Salerno participated in her final meet in 2006, she became the best female pole vaulter in the school’s history, holding the indoor and outdoor school records for the event. Her seven foot jump as an entering freshman transformed into a 12-00.75 foot jump, her 16 foot long jump improved to 18-09.25, and she established herself as a sprinter and a key member to both the 4X100-meter and 4X400 meter relays.

When assistant coach Brad Parris was an athlete at McMurry, he was exclusively a pole vaulter. He won five national championships between the indoor and outdoor pole vault. What Parris said is so amazing about Salerno’s performance, was that she wasn’t even an exclusive pole vaulter. Salerno didn’t pole vault collegiately until the tail end of her sophomore season. Because she participated in several events throughout her career, sometimes the most he worked with Salerno on the pole vault was one or two times a week.

“This is a kid that made all these improvements in minimal amounts of time,” said Parris. “Heaven knows how good she would have been if she was an exclusive pole vaulter. But that’s what makes it hard when you’re so good at so many things.”

Both coaches agree though, that Salerno’s work ethic and leadership qualities are what will stick in their minds when they remember her.

“She is the type of person that when you had recruits come in, you always wanted them to meet her,” said Crousen.

“She is the epitome and poster child of what it means to be a hard worker,” said Parris. “There might be girls that come through and jump better or run faster, but as far as entire package of character and work ethic, there won’t ever be another Nicole.”

Salerno made the most of her college experience by breaking the stereotypical view of an athlete who only cares about competing in their individual sport. Crousen said that you could find Salerno supporting all the athletic programs. And, her support for McMurry extended beyond athletics as well.

She was a member of McMurry’s women’s social club T.I.P. where she held offices and was the Homecoming chair. She also was involved in student government for all four years and was a voice for her fellow students.

However, Salerno said her experience as a student-athlete is what she’ll most remember about her time as an Indian.

“It was the main highlight and something I was definitely passionate about,” Salerno said. “It kept me motivated and helped me be a leader. After my freshman year, a bunch of the senior girls graduated, so as an underclassman I tried to fill that role and I think it helped exemplify and develop my leadership qualities.”

Salerno has high praise for both Crousen and Parris who recruited, coached and mentor her for four years.

“[Coach Crousen] is always challenging you,” she said. “Track is such an individual sport, but she taught us that it isn’t just about your event and what you’re doing or competing for, but rather a team concept.”

“[Coach Parris] is a really great coach and always believed in me no matter what,” Salerno said. “There were times when I was down and he would always be there for me providing encouragement and motivating me.”

Even great leaders fall on hard times, however. In her senior season she suffered through some injuries early during the indoor season, and at one point she said that she considered hanging up the spikes for good.

But it was Parris’ note of encouragement that kept her going.

“I sensed she was struggling,” said Parris. “Her body language spoke really loudly to me and I sat down and went through my computer and listed as many quotes about positive thinking I could find. I wrote just simply to think of your life like a chapter book,” he recalls. “You’ve done great things so far and we’re at this point in your career where the next page is blank; and right now we’re going to write this next page and the next step you take is going to be a good one.”

Perhaps it was foreshadowing. Salerno said that the note provided her a much-needed boost of encouragement, and the following weekend in Norman, Okla. she set the school record for the women’s indoor pole vault with an 11-04.25 foot jump.

Salerno graduated in the Spring of 2006 with a degree in Communications. She is considering a career in promotions but said she might pursue a teaching and coaching career. But whatever she does, she said her experience at McMurry, as a student-athlete and  guidance from her coaches will help her in the future.

“I think I’ll always be involved with McMurry,” she said. “It was a big part of my life in developing my faith and leadership.”