. “I started high jump around fourth grade because that was when coaches first introduced me,” reflects Johanna Studard, 12. “I actually didn’t continue it. I stopped track for a year before finally going back to high jump around covid.”
. Despite a rocky start to her jumping career, Stuard now holds Westfeild’s girls high jump record at 5 ‘7.” Now, she continues the sport because she loves the feeling of clearing a bar and competing with friends.
. Stuard’s journey to become the best high jumper to have entered Westfield hasn’t been easy. As a student athlete, she’s had to not only attend practices and meets, but also keep up with school work. “Track takes up a lot of my free time so finding time to get all my studying and homework done can be difficult sometimes. I just try to use up any free time I get to get school work done,” Stuard states, reflecting on how time management is a constant battle.
. Stuard’s favorite thing about high jump, clearing a bar, has kept her motivated to continue to work hard. She also acknowledges that, “having my friends there is a great motivator, and I also just enjoy doing it so I want to get better.” With support from family, coaches, and teammates and hours of hard work already dedicated to track and field, it is unlikely our high jump record holder will be stopping the sport she loves any time soon.
. Besides being a school record holder, Stuard has many other accomplishments related to track and field. She regularly competes at the state and national level and in pentathlons. Placing 5th at USATF Nationals is what Stuard considers to be her biggest achievements thus far.
. All her hardwork has paid off, and Stuard recently received an athletic scholarship to high jump for Cornell University where she also plans on majoring in aerospace engineering. When asked about her future goals, Stuard stated, “I hope to make the Ivy Championships and hopefully place top six to earn a slash on my future uniform!” Stuard’s ideal career includes “working somewhere in the engineering field, most likely something government related.” She’s currently involved in classes and clubs related to the field, including physics and engineering. These are lofty goals, but there is no doubt Stuard can achieve them based on what she has accomplished as only a senior in high school.
. As she continues on her high jump and educational track, Stuard’s advice to athletes striving to be great at their sport is “don’t ever take the easy way out.” Her accomplishments thus far have shown that following this path leads to amazing achievements. As Stuard continues to work hard, she is excited to see what she can do next.
