Written by Tone Yao Lee
For most college recruits, training begins at a young age. This is not the case for senior Jeffrey Lee-Heidenreich. Growing up playing basketball as his main sport, Lee-Heidenreich started high jump in 7th grade as a hobby.
“It looked really fun jumping and landing on a soft foam [pad],” Lee-Heidenreich said. From there, he jumped for Gunn’s team. As a freshman, Lee-Heidenreich was already one of the best high jumpers for Gunn. Last season, he cleared a personal best of 6’8, which was good enough for an 8th place finish in the California state meet.
“High jump has definitely had a positive impact on my life,” Lee-Heidenreich said. “The rush of adrenaline before a jump is unparalleled, and while it may turn stressful at times, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Lee-Heidenreich currently trains year round, working on his strength and improving his technical work and flexibility during track season.
“[High jump] has taught me to take on [a] larger responsibility and be accountable for how I perform in competitions,” Lee-Heidenreich said. “I’ve also discovered many friendships and opportunities through track, which I will cherish for many years to come.”
Aside from high jump, Lee-Heidenreich indulges in other activities during his free time. “When I’m not training for high jump, you’ll probably find me on the basketball court or curled up in my room writing poems,” Lee-Heidenreich said. “I’ve found poetry to be a unique way to express my artistic visions and a great exercise to help keep a balanced mind.”
Lee-Heidenreich is currently tied for 28th in the nation for high jump in the class of 2017. He will be jumping for Princeton University this upcoming school year.
“In this year’s track season, my goal is to get the medal in the California state meet this coming June,” Lee-Heidenreich said. “The track community is amazing and I look forward to working with new coaches and competing against some of the best track athletes in the country.”
For most college recruits, training begins at a young age. This is not the case for senior Jeffrey Lee-Heidenreich. Growing up playing basketball as his main sport, Lee-Heidenreich started high jump in 7th grade as a hobby.
“It looked really fun jumping and landing on a soft foam [pad],” Lee-Heidenreich said. From there, he jumped for Gunn’s team. As a freshman, Lee-Heidenreich was already one of the best high jumpers for Gunn. Last season, he cleared a personal best of 6’8, which was good enough for an 8th place finish in the California state meet.
