GIRLS WINNER: Der'Renae Freeman - Junior @ West Orange
Der’Renae Freeman always wondered why she never garnered as much attention as some of the state’s other long jumpers. Her personal coach Derrick White says she felt as if she was flying under the radar, always hoping for that interview, her time in the limelight.
“I told her that her day was coming and they’d recognize you at the state meet and it came true for her. I think it was one of the most wonderful things to happen for her as a high school athlete.”
The notoriety came after the West Orange junior jumped an astounding 20-00.75 to win the 4A state championship. It wasn’t easy though, after two early scratches, she hit her marks perfectly and recorded the second best jump in the country. It is only the second jump over 20 feet this season. White says after she cleared it she was ecstatic.
“She’s still on a high from it. She’s finally seen the work pay off. When we were doing the plyos and bounding drills it’s not looking like long jump and she kept asking me when we were going to work on the long jump and I told her to be patient. At Jimmy Carnes, she scratched all three times at around 18 feet and she didn’t know if she wanted to do it anymore. I told her to be patient and that she’d go 20 feet outdoors if she just kept at it and kept working.”
It is that hard work and mental toughness that has made Freeman a believer. White says this week the pair is back to work focusing on their core and technique in preparation for the postseason.
“We’re looking at the World Youth Championships and New Balance Nationals. Right now her jump is fourth in the world according to IAAF and if we go to the trials in Myrtle Beach and she goes to France the target is to go 20-07 or 20-8 by the summer. I think she can definitely go 21 next year. It’s possible if we can execute everything and get sharpened on the technique and core. I think she is one of the most naturally gifted athletes I have ever worked with.”
Personal Bests
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100 Meter Dash12.08 -
200 Meter Dash24.60
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Long Jump
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20-0.75
More on Der'Renae (Athlete Profile)
VIDEO INTERVIEW: DerRenae Freeman, Long Jump State Champ