Senior high jumper signs with Division I school

On Feb. 5, senior Mady Fagan committed to the University of Georgia, a Division I (D1) school, for track and field and became the first student to sign to a D1 school for any sport in years.

Fagan, who transferred to SHS from Los Gatos last year, has been high jumping competitively for only two years and is ranked top 10 in the nation and top three in California. 

“I found my niche [in high jumping] and stuck with it,” Fagan said. “I fell in love with the idea of flying and that’s what it feels like when you execute a perfect jump.”

Fagan said she has big plans for her high jumping career, and strives to attend the Olympics in the future as well as win a NCAA national title.

Last season, Fagan jumped 5’10.75” while Olympians jump anywhere from 6’4” to 6’8.”

“I have some work to do apparently. But that's exactly what I plan to do: work,” Fagan said.

During the offseason, Fagan trains about 12 to 15 hours a week. But with school track starting, that number will most likely increase. 

“I'm very excited to have a successful season [on the SHS track team] and to get to know the team,” Fagan said.

Fagan plans on majoring in sports management at the University of Georgia. 

“I like that [sports management] combines sports, something I’ll never lose interest in, and business,” Fagan said. “I think it’ll be a very interesting choice of study.”

Fagan’s parents fully support her high jumping, and frequently come to her events.

“I am so lucky to have parents who love track and field almost as much as I do,” Fagan said. “They come to every meet they can and bring my little brother every once in a while too.”  

Fagan’s mentor is her coach John Rembao, who has helped her train since the day she started. 

“He has been there for me through this crazy time, and I have no idea where I would be without him,” Fagan said. “He is one of my best friends, and I look up to him more than I think he knows.” 

Focusing on the near future, Fagan will begin training with the University of Georgia’s track and field team in the summer. 

“High jumping is a very unique event. It combines speed with dynamic ability and explosiveness. There is so much thought that goes into each jump,” Fagan said. “It has made me a better human being mentally, physically and emotionally. I am grateful for that.”