Brionna Hudson, a freshman standout in track and field, has had her first season as a high jumper at the varsity level. With a current personal record of 5’6”, Hudson is not just competing—she’s excelling.
She trains weekly, constantly working to perfect her technique and improve her jumps.
“I practice every day—warm up, work on form, and get my jumps in,” Hudson said. “Repetition is key to getting higher and better at clearing the bar.”
High jump is a technical event, and Brionna is all about mastering the details.
“The hardest part for me is the flight—arching to get over the bar,” she said. “I’m not that flexible, so that part takes extra focus.”
Despite being a freshman, Hudson is thriving at the varsity level.
“It’s fun to compete against people who are better and more experienced,” she said.
One of those experienced athletes is senior Triumph Kilmartin, a teammate who’s become both a motivator and a role model for her.
“She pushes me, and I look up to her because she has great form and technique,” Hudson said.
But Brionna isn’t just making strides on the track. She’s also managing the demands of school and home life.
“I plan out my week and just try to get the important things done first,” she said.
Off the track, Hudson has a hidden talent: fishing.
“I’m an elite pro fisher,” she said with a smile. “I like it because it’s calming, and I love being outside.”
On competition days, Hudson has her rituals.
“I eat Goldfish before every meet,” she said. “It’s just part of how I get ready to compete.”
When it’s time to step up to the bar, nerves can creep in, but Hudson has a fearless mindset.
“I get nervous, but I just go for it,” she said. “I go fast into it instead of overthinking.”
The support of her teammates makes all the difference.
“I love when they cheer me on. My biggest supporter is Sarah Glenny,” she said. “She always hypes me up. I can hear her voice over everyone else’s in the crowd.”
As for what’s going through her head in the moment before she jumps?
“I just say, ‘Keep my knees up. I got this. This is light work,” Hudson said.
Coach’s Perspective
Coach Adams, in his first year coaching Brionna, has already seen her potential.
“From day one, she’s been a hard worker, never complains and has a great attitude,” he said. “She has a god-given ability and a desire to be great.”
He has advice for athletes aspiring to reach varsity level.
“Listen to your coaches, be coachable, and work hard,” Adams said.
He sees a bright future for Hudson.
“She’s going to be a state-level competitor—a state qualifier for sure,” Adams said.
Triumph Kilmartin, a senior with a personal best of 5’6”, also sees promise in Hudson.
“I’d like to see her feel comfortable at higher heights,” Kilmartin said. “By her senior year, I expect her to be jumping 5’10”. She has the ability if she puts in the work.”
Looking Ahead
Brionna Hudson has already made a name for herself in her first season and is excited to finish strong. With her passion, discipline, and drive, the future of high jumping looks bright—and she’s just getting started.
