Name: Chloe Fraley
School: Valley Christian HS
PRs
Javelin: 133-1 @ Nike Chandler Rotary Invitational
110m Hurdles: 16.14 @ Nike Chandler Rotary Invitational
300m Hurdles: 47.05 @ Nike Chandler Rotary Invitational
Pole Vault: 10-6 @ Basha Relays (2017)
Chloe Fraley is one of Arizona's top multi-athletes and finished on the podium in multiple events this past weekend at the AIA Track and Field State Championships. Earlier this season, she threw 133-1 to dominate the Javelin contest at the Chandler Rotary Invitational. Though she had two torn ligaments in her ankle steal healing from Rotary, Fraley defended her D4 Girls' Javelin State Title last week and ultimately finished on the podium in both the hurdles and the pole vault, as well.
Where are you from and when did you begin competing in track and field?
I was born and raised in Ohio and moved out to Chandler, Arizona in 2008. I've lived in Chandler since.
Did you play any other sports at your school?
I played volleyball freshmen year and basketball all four years.
What is your favorite event and why?
As frustrating and painful as they can be, I got to say 300 hurdles. There's something about the adrenaline and competitiveness in the race that I don't get in any of my other events.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your high school track and field career in high school?
I wouldn't change anything. Sure, there are some little things such as trying out other events like long jump, but as a whole there's not much more I would change.
What has been your favorite memory in your track and field career and why?
Winning Chandler Rotary is definitely one. Also, my team's annual pole vault sleepover that we have every year the night after state. No matter what, we always had best time and have bonded over how much fun we had.
What advice would you give to younger athletes?
Never give up. I have had my share of frustrating moments over the years, but no matter what I just persevered and it ended up paying off. It may take time to get the results you want, but all the hard work you put in will come out. You just have to be willing to do the little things that will make the frustrating moments turn into enjoyable ones.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
I can't even begin to describe the influence Coach Mehlhorn has had on me. Throughout the years he has always pushed and motivated me to be the athlete I am today. Even if that meant making me do extra painful workouts after meets sometimes. This year though, he really made an impact on my life. I was in a tough spot after injuring my ankle at Chandler Rotary, and he was the one who really supported and motivated me to keep after my rehab. Which lead to me being able to compete at state this year on two torn ligaments. I could not have accomplished what I did over the years without him.
(Right: Chloe Fraley committed to attend Grand Canyon University and will compete for the Lopes next year.)
What was the deciding factor that made you choose Grand Canyon University?
The coaching, Todd Lehman and Joe Riccio are great guys and I can't wait to get started with them next year. Not to mention how welcoming and fun the athletes were when I went on my visits. One of the biggest factors was them allowing me the opportunity to develop my full potential as an athlete in other events along with javelin.
Coaches Lehman and Riccio are both very knowledgeable and have a lot to share. What do you like about their coaching philosophy/style?
I like how [Coach Lehman] cross trains his athletes in different track events to help with overall athleticism, and I am very impressed with the results of [Coach Riccio's] athletes and am looking forward to uncovering his full philosophy in throwing. Honestly, I'm just glad to get an actual coach for the javelin. Not that I didn't enjoy all the youtube videos and criticism from my dad.
Have you decided on a major or if not, what draws you academically to GCU?
I will be majoring in Justice Studies. What draws me academically are the many opportunities GCU provides for the field of studying I want to be in.
How do you spend your 'off time' away from school and the track?
It's rare when I have a lot of 'of time' but it's mostly spent hanging out with friends and playing volleyball.
Who would you like to thank for your success in high school?
I'd like to thank God for giving me the gifts, abilities, and opportunities to be the athlete I am. All glory to him.
Fun Stuff!
What's the hardest event in track and field?
Oof I'd say the hardest to be successful in are your technical events like discus and pole vault. It takes a lot of work on small things in order to make big improvements. They take both athleticism and skill.
What's the last movie you watched?
Avengers: Endgame
What is your favorite thing to eat after a track meet?
Pizza, hands down
What's the best literary work you read in high school?
To Kill a mockingbird
What scripture has meant the most to you as a high school athlete?
James 1:2-4 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
