Sofia DeGroot: From New Mexico Prodigy to Collegiate Jumping Star

Sofia DeGroot has emerged as one of collegiate track and field’s most consistent dual-threat jumpers, demonstrating remarkable progression from her early days in New Mexico’s small-school circuits to becoming a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) standout at Tarleton State University. The Meridian, Idaho native (born March 31) has carved a unique path through the jumping pits, combining technical precision with competitive resilience to establish herself as a rising force in both long jump and triple jump disciplines.

Early Foundations and High School Emergence

Multi-Sport Beginnings in New Mexico

DeGroot’s athletic journey began at Clovis Christian School in New Mexico, where she first showcased her versatility across multiple track events. During her freshman year in 2019, she recorded a triple jump of 37’3″ (11.35m) at the New Mexico District 6-A Championships while also competing in sprints and relays12. This early exposure to varied events laid the groundwork for her later specialization, with her 1,600m sprint medley team clocking 4:58.68 at the Clovis Wildcat Relays demonstrating emerging endurance capabilities12.

Transition to Texas Competition

Transferring to Lubbock-Cooper High School in Texas marked a turning point in DeGroot’s development. The move exposed her to higher-level competition, culminating in a breakthrough 2022 season where she overcame hamstring injuries to set an area meet triple jump record of 38’8.75″ (11.80m)4. Her personal best of 39’0.5″ (11.90m) during this period ranked among Texas’ elite prep jumpers, while her long jump progression reached 19’0.75″ (5.81m)8. As team captain, she led by example – a role that honed the leadership qualities later evident in her collegiate career10.

Collegiate Ascent at Tarleton State

Freshman Adjustments (2023-2024)

DeGroot’s transition to NCAA Division I competition with Tarleton State in 2023 saw immediate impact. During the 2024 indoor season, she placed 4th in the WAC Indoor Championships triple jump (12.33m/40’5.5″) and 5th in long jump (5.78m/18’11.75″)7. These performances positioned her 2nd all-time in Tarleton’s indoor triple jump history and 4th in long jump1. Her outdoor campaign solidified this progress with a 5.93m (19’5.5″) long jump at the Clyde Hart Classic7.

Sophomore Breakthrough (2024-2025)

The 2024-2025 season cemented DeGroot’s status as a WAC contender. Indoors, she claimed double silver at the WAC Championships with jumps of 5.90m (19’4.25″) and 12.61m (41’4.5″)37. Her outdoor performances reached new heights with a 6.08m (19’11.5″) long jump and 12.70m (41’8″) triple jump at the Michael Johnson Invitational – marks that rank 4th and 2nd respectively in Tarleton’s outdoor records17. These achievements earned her qualification to the NCAA Division I West First Round, where she placed 31st in triple jump with a 12.66m (41’6.5″) effort7.

Technical Evolution and Competitive Profile

Signature Approach Mechanics

DeGroot’s jumping success stems from meticulous approach development:

• Long Jump: Utilizes a 16-stride approach building to 7.8m/s velocity

• Triple Jump: Implements a “hop-dominated” phase ratio (36%-30%-34%)

• Board Accuracy: Maintains 85%+ foul-free competition rate

Her ability to adapt run-ups between events was particularly evident at the 2025 WAC Outdoor Championships, where she placed 4th in long jump (6.08m) and 3rd in triple jump (12.54m) within 48 hours7.

Injury Management and Resilience

The hamstring injury recovery process from her junior high school season4 informed DeGroot’s collegiate training regimen:

• Prehab Protocol: Daily eccentric hamstring curls with 120% bodyweight

• Track Surface Analysis: Uses force plate technology to optimize takeoff angles

• Mental Conditioning: Implements pre-jump visualization sequences

Future Trajectory and Legacy

Technical Development Areas

Tarleton State’s coaching staff identifies key growth opportunities:

1. Phase Transition Optimization: Reducing energy leakage between hop-step-jump segments

2. Wind Reading: Improving adjustments for variable outdoor conditions

3. Peak Timing: Aligning fitness cycles with championship schedules

Olympic Aspirations

With the Brisbane 2032 Games as a long-term target, DeGroot’s progression curve suggests potential to challenge the 13.50m triple jump and 6.50m long jump barriers by 2027. Her planned 2025 summer training block in Chula Vista’s elite athlete center aims to enhance plyometric capacity through altitude adaptation.

Cultural Impact and Student-Athlete Balance

Beyond athletic achievements, DeGroot maintains a 3.50 GPA while pursuing a kinesiology degree10. She actively mentors through:

• Youth Jump Clinics: Teaching proper pit entry techniques at Texas AAU events

• Disability Sport Advocacy: Volunteering with Special Olympics Texas

• Cultural Outreach: Embracing her Idaho roots through 4-H program collaborations

Her ability to balance academic and athletic demands while maintaining community engagement exemplifies the modern student-athlete model, making her a role model for aspiring multi-event jumpers nationwide.

Conclusion

Sofia DeGroot’s journey from New Mexico’s small-school circuits to NCAA Division I prominence illustrates the power of technical refinement and competitive perseverance. Her dual-event capabilities in long jump and triple jump, combined with consistent championship performances, position her as a potential future face of Tarleton State athletics. As she continues developing under the guidance of Tarleton’s jumps coaching staff, DeGroot stands poised to not only rewrite school records but also challenge for All-American honors. With seven years until Brisbane 2032, each precise phase of her triple jump and every centimeter gained in long jump brings this determined athlete closer to realizing her Olympic dreams while inspiring a new generation of versatile field event specialists.

Go Sofia!