The high jump is undoubtedly the toughest event in track and field.

A competitor must get the correct steps in the take off and approach, rotate the non-takeoff leg, hips and shoulders in the air until her back reaches the bar, and arch her back and arch the body with the knees apart to allow the hips to clear the bar.
 
It's what WSSU senior Kennedy Alexander decided to specialize in high school.  "I just started doing track to keep me in shape for basketball," she recalled.  "I'm still learning.  In high school I was on my own."
 
Kennedy's high school coach didn't know much about the high jump, so she was forced to learn on her own.  She hopes some day WSSU can get a jumps coach.  Coach Antonio Wells is an excellent running coach, his specialty, but he's learning the jump techniques along with Alexander.
 
"God knows we need a jumps coach," said Alexander.  "Later in life I want to be a coach.  I would love to come back and help here."
 
Alexander has earned CIAA Field Athlete of the Week three times, twice last year in indoor competition and this week for her performance in last weekend's Trojan Relays in Mt. Olive, N.C.
 
Her best jump to date came at the season-opening Mondo Invitational last year at Winston-Salem's JDL Fast Track, which also happens to be her favorite track.  "I cleared 5-7 in that meet," said Alexander.  "We practice there at least twice a week during indoor.  It's a great advantage.
 
"Every track is different, but JDL is my favorite," she continued. "I like how the high jump mat is placed there."
 
Alexander admits she's happy with her progress.  "The hard work I've put in has really paid off," she said.  "I've put a lot of work in after practice.
 
"I enjoy the possibility of how high I can jump," she added. "Some days I have on days and some days I have off days when I'm doubting myself.  Coach comes over and calms me down.  He tells me to let it go and do what I know I can do.  Most of the time that works."
 
Alexander also faces a physical challenge.  She stands six feet tall.  "With my body structure it's harder to get over the bar," she explained.  "When I look at video my whole back is over, but the top of my butt hits the bar.
 
"It's very complex.  You have to mark where you take one foot after another.  You learn where to lean your body to the side and shoot your arms straight up.  Ninety percent of the jump is your approach."
 
Alexander is also running the 200.  "I'm taking it more seriously this year.  "My best time indoors was 29.30 last year.  I'm hoping to push that down to 27 or 26.  I haven't run outdoors yet."
 
The Health Care Management major reflected on what motivates her.  "I want to do the best for myself and for my team," she said.  "I'm really hard on myself when I feel like I've let my team down knowing I could have done this or that."
 
She said former coach KayMarie Jones recruited her.  "She came to a meet and didn't see me jump," remembered Alexander.  "She had enough faith to sign me.  That really touched me.
 
"What makes WSSU so special is the people I've met.  Also, my teammates and coaches and the support I've had from my teammates.  I've met my best friend here."