Ole Miss pole vaulter Sam Kendricks has elected to forego any remaining NCAA eligibility to pursue a professional career in track and field. Kendricks was the 2014 U.S. national champion after clearing a season-best height of 18-10.25 at the USA Championships in Sacramento, California.

"This is a hard decision and the timing of it has been difficult for me," Kendricks said in a university press release. "I believe this is the best decision for my family, and I've gotten their full support in many ways. I love being an Ole Miss Rebel."

Kendrick will continue to study at Ole Miss and graduate with a bachelor's degree in May. In addition to being a Division-I athlete, the Oxford-native is also a member of the university's Army ROTC program. He is on pace to be comissioned as a liuetenant in the U.S. Army. 

In the last three years, Kendricks won gold at the 2013 World University Games, a U.S. Championship, two NCAA titles, two SEC Athlete of the Year Awards and set school records. 

Chris Chavez is a writer at Flotrack and marathon analyst for ESPN. He once beat Joey Fatone of NSYNC in a half-marathon. Feel free to to reach him with any questions, comments, or feedback on Twitter or by email.