Some athletes choose their sports, and sometimes it’s in their DNA.
“My brothers, my parents, they were all jumpers. It’s really our family. I just love this sport so much,” says Jaiah Hopf, Wisconsin Lutheran track and field senior.
For Hopf, it’s the latter.
“My mom, for sure [got her into the sport]. She did triple jump in high school. She did it here actually. Her record is still up there,” says Hopf.
The reigning long and triple jump WIAA Division 1 State Champion, Hopf has already broken her mother’s record.
“My goal coming into freshman year, I told her I would beat her by my senior year. By one of our first outdoor meets, I jumped like two feet further than her record,” says Hopf.
Although mom missed the jump, she did get to see the footage. But for now, mom’s name still hangs as a reminder to keep pushing. That said, Hopf needs no help setting her goals high.
“This season is all about the records. I want the records. I have big goals for this season,” she said.
If you’re wondering just how far she wants to jump…
“For triple jump, probably 41 and for long jump, a legal 20 foot,” says Hopf.
These numbers are ones she will look to accomplish now, and then replicate in college as a member of the Depaul Track and Field team.
