Trying new track and field events let sophomore Emily Caldwell explore new connections and experiences in the sport.

After originally doing the 100- and 200-meter runs, her coach, Kaye Gasper, asked Caldwell to compete in the jumping events because of her height. Now she competes in the long jump, triple jump, and sometimes the high jump.

“She came up to me and said to try it because I’m taller,” Caldwell said.

While learning the new events, Caldwell needed someone to teach her the basics. Junior Callen O’Malley, junior Becca Gruntz, and senior Taye O’Toole helped her learn the best techniques for events like the triple jump.

O’Malley acknowledged being an enthusiastic teacher.

“I had this eagerness to show her what to do,” O’Malley said.

The lessons paid off, and Caldwell had a successful season.

“My best event is definitely long jump,” Caldwell said. Her personal best in that event is 15 feet, 8.5 inches. 

After Caldwell got adjusted to being with the jumping team, people began to see a shift in the jumpers’ morale. While the jumpers were bonded before, many talked about how Caldwell boosted the mood and energy of the team. 

“She brought something that we didn’t know we needed,” O’Malley said.

At events, Caldwell goes out of her way to talk to other schools’ jumping teams and become acquainted. O’Malley said she became like the team’s “link” with the other schools. He added that having someone like Caldwell is an asset to the team because she helped them all mingle with people from different schools, O’Malley said.

When Caldwell isn’t busy preparing herself for her own events, she is constantly encouraging others on her team, including sophomore Alana Ipolito.

“The way Emily talks to you when she knows you need it is admirable and such a good quality of hers,” Ipolito said. 

O’Malley said she hypes up the team and validates people, assuring them that they are more than the sport.

Both Ipolito and Caldwell’s favorite track memory is raking the jumping pit at the South Hills Classic with their teammate, sophomore Alba Luciano, and making jokes while doing so.

“Emily’s decision to jump has stuck with me,” Ipolito said. “It was such a spur of the moment thing. She got thrown into it so fast and still decided to give it her all.”

Caldwell plans on staying in the jumper events throughout the rest of her track career.

“I feel really proud of myself and how much I’ve accomplished this year,” Caldwell said.