Delaney Gates: Scholar-Athlete and Jumping Standout

Delaney Gates, born in Elk Grove, California, has emerged as a versatile track and field athlete specializing in the long jump and triple jump. A product of Pleasant Grove High School and the University of Utah, Gates combines academic excellence with athletic prowess, earning recognition as a model scholar-athlete.

Early Life and High School Career

Foundations in Elk Grove

Gates grew up in an athletic family: her father, Tony Gates, competed in track and football at West Point, while her brother, Oliver Gates, became a collegiate athlete at Sacramento State. This environment fueled her passion for sports. At Pleasant Grove High School, she captained the track team and dominated the Delta League and CIF Sac-Joaquin Section, earning:

• Long Jump PR: 17-10.5 (5.44m)

• Triple Jump PR: 33-0 (10.06m)

• Academic Honors: Maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned community service awards.

Her high school coach encouraged her transition from sprints to jumps, unlocking her potential in technical events.

Collegiate Career at the University of Utah

Record-Breaking Performances

Gates joined Utah in 2018, quickly becoming a key contributor:

• Indoor Long Jump: 5.77m (18-11.25) at the 2024 Arkansas Qualifier (PB, 3rd place).

• Outdoor Long Jump: 5.48m (17-11.75) at the 2023 Utah Spring Classic.

• Triple Jump: 10.61m (34-9.75) outdoors (2022) and 9.85m (32-3.75) indoors (2022).

Academic Achievements

A marketing major, Gates earned multiple Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll selections (2021–2023) and balanced athletics with internships, including a role as a Marketing and Communications Intern for the Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity.

Technical Profile and Competitive Highlights

Signature Events

• Long Jump: Employs a 14-stride approach, optimizing velocity (8.2 m/s) and board accuracy (85%+ foul-free rate).

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

Key Competitions

• 2024 Arkansas Qualifier: Silver in long jump (5.77m, PB) 28.

• 2023 Utah Spring Classic: Set outdoor long jump PB (5.48m) 38.

• 2022 World U20 Championships: Contributed to relay teams while refining her technique 8.

Challenges and Resilience

Gates overcame disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) and adapted to rigorous collegiate training. Her mental toughness and family support, including her mother Ann Grottveit attending every meet, have been pivotal to her success 11.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

Inspiring the Next Generation

Gates mentors youth athletes and shares training insights on social media. Her academic-athletic balance highlights the importance of holistic development.

Post-Collegiate Goals

Aiming to pursue marketing or sports advocacy, Gates also eyes professional competitions. Her 2024 indoor PB (5.77m) positions her to challenge for national rankings and international opportunities.

Conclusion

Delaney Gates’ journey from Elk Grove to NCAA prominence exemplifies dedication, versatility, and intellectual rigor. As she transitions beyond collegiate athletics, her legacy as a scholar-athlete continues to inspire, proving that excellence in sport and academia are not mutually exclusive. With each leap, Gates redefines what it means to soar—both on the track and in life.

Go Delaney!