Hunter “Coach Babs” Babler’s connection to pole vault started on the same runway where he coaches today.
A former Canyon del Oro vaulter and First-Team Southern Arizona selection in the event, Hunter began coaching at Flowing Wells High School, where he coached Katie Daily to the 2016 Arizona Division II pole vault state championship. Today, he is back at CDO coaching the next generation of Dorado vaulters and also coaches at the club level with Pole Pilots Track Club in Tucson.
Hunter is a USATF Level 1 Track & Field Coach and has completed SafeSport training and USATF background screening as part of the Coaches Registry process. His coaching education includes athlete development, biomechanics, speed and power development, training design, sport psychology, and safe, age-appropriate coaching practices.
Before returning to pole vault, Hunter also competed professionally in triathlon, represented Team USA for two years, and qualified for two World Championships. Outside of athletics, more than a decade of his professional career has centered around young people through school programs, leadership development, and mentorship.
All of that experience shapes a coaching philosophy his athletes know well:
Great athletes. Better humans.
The goal is bigger than the next PR. Athletes are challenged to work hard, understand their training, support their teammates, handle setbacks, and take ownership of their development. Coach Babs wants athletes to jump higher—but even more importantly, to leave the program more confident, capable, and prepared for whatever comes next.