DeJanae Thompson: Versatile Jumper and Scholar-Athlete

DeJanae Thompson has established herself as a standout track and field athlete specializing in the long jump and triple jump. Born in San Diego, California, Thompson’s career is marked by technical precision, academic excellence, and resilience through challenges. From her early dominance in high school to her collegiate achievements at San Diego State University (SDSU) and the University of Houston, she exemplifies the balance of athletic and academic rigor.

Early Life and High School Career

Foundations in San Diego

Thompson attended Morse High School, where her talent for jumps emerged. She became a four-time CIF qualifier and claimed the 2018 CIF triple jump championship. Her high school accolades included:

• Western League long jump title (2017).

• Western League triple jump title (2018).

• Honor Roll recognition for academic excellence.

Her early success laid the groundwork for a collegiate career defined by versatility and leadership.

Collegiate Career at San Diego State University (2018–2022)

Breakthrough Performances

Thompson joined SDSU in 2018, quickly making her mark in the Mountain West Conference:

• 2022 Mountain West Indoor Championships: Earned bronze in the long jump with a personal best of 6.13m (20-01.50 feet), setting a program record.

• 2022 Desert Heat Classic: Achieved an outdoor long jump PB of 6.02m (19-09.00 feet).

• Triple Jump: Set a personal best of 11.80m (38-08.75 feet) at the 2023 Mountain West Outdoor Championships.

Overcoming Adversity

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her 2020 season, but Thompson still managed career-best marks in limited competitions, including a 5.33m (17-06.00 feet) long jump and 10.72m (35-03.00 feet) triple jump.

Transition to the University of Houston (2022–Present)

As a graduate student pursuing kinesiology and sociology, Thompson continued to excel:

• 2024 Howie Ryan Invitational: Jumped 5.62m (18-05.25 feet) in the long jump.

• 2024 Cameron Burrell Alumni Invitational: Secured fifth place with a 5.63m (18-05.75 feet) leap.

Her technical consistency and foul-free approach (85%+ valid jumps) solidified her role as a key contributor for the Cougars.

Technical Profile and Training

Signature Techniques

• Long Jump: Utilizes a 14-stride approach, optimizing velocity (8.2 m/s) and takeoff angles (22°–24°).

• Triple Jump: Focuses on phase transitions (36%-30%-34% ratio) to maximize distance.

• Mental Resilience: Emphasizes repetition and video analysis to refine form under pressure.

Academic and Personal Pursuits

Scholar-Athlete Balance

Thompson earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, criminal justice, and sociology from SDSU and is completing a master’s in kinesiology at Houston. Her academic discipline mirrors her athletic focus, aiming to become a sports agent or advocate.

Off the Track

• Social Media Influence: Shares content on food, beauty, and fashion, amassing over 3,000 followers.

• Community Engagement: Mentors youth athletes and promotes collegiate sports through platforms like Opendorse.

• Personal Life: Proud owner of a dog named Shadow, reflecting her love for animals.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

Thompson’s journey from San Diego’s tracks to NCAA prominence underscores her dedication to growth. As she eyes professional competitions and advocacy roles, her story inspires aspiring athletes to pursue multifaceted excellence. With each leap, she continues to redefine limits, proving that resilience and intellect are the hallmarks of a true scholar-athlete.