Wonder Woman

NyErin Buckley

Have you ever been the victim of a stereotype? Has someone ever laughed and said you couldn’t be something great? Well, that’s what happened to sprinter turned jumper NyErin Buckley of Oakland, CA. NyErin is a 5’1” junior at San Francisco State University running track and field. A veteran in track & field with sixteen years under her belt, she received a scholarship for her profound performance at San Leandro High School in the 100 and 200 meter dash and as an anchor on the 4x100 meter relay. Just two weeks before conference, her coaches entered her in the long and triple jump; the last time she ever participated in these events was when she was six years old. When asked why her coaches entered her in jumps she said, “They always complimented me in my bounding skills so they took that leap of faith in me.”

Let’s go back to the point of NyErin’s height. She is 5’1” and your average female jumper is about 5’8”; 5’1” is way below average. Out of the fifteen athletes entered into the triple jump, NyErin was one of nine who qualified for finals and placed 8th overall helping her team advance to second place in conference. When I asked does she feel like a stereotype she responded that she doesn’t “because a lot of jumpers are tall and I’m the total opposite so people might underestimate me and think I might not be as good as they are because of the height difference.” Most would think it would bother her or scare her off, but no, not NyErin. She states that her height doesn’t really bother her because she has accomplished a lot and she knows that she has a lot power. She says “If I was taller that would make things a little easier, but because of the stereotype [that jumpers are tall], this makes me want it even more. I’ve had a couple of people laugh at the thought of me jumping. They also thought it was crazy that I had only two weeks of training before competing at conference, but anything is possible!”.

NyErin reminds me of myself just the mini version because I was once thrown into jumps after being a mid-distance runner, not knowing anything and I also placed. So when she says anything is possible she is correct! She gives other ladies hope and courage to achieve something people say is impossible. The big question is would she do it all over again. Her answer, “Absolutely, I enjoyed doing something different other than running. The best part was getting on the runway and not knowing what to expect and just going for it.”

M.W.-What is your major?

N.B.-Liberal Studies and Minor in Special Education

M.W.-What do you do when you're not jumping?

N.B.-When I'm not jumping I spend a lot of time with family while I can and during the off season I spend a lot of time acting with a youth theatre company in Oakland.

M.W.-Who do you look up to?

N.B.-I look up to my granny because she is so strong and she takes care of everything and much appreciated for all that she does.

M.W.-What’s your favorite movie?

N.B.- Dreamgirls

M.W.-Who’s your favorite actor/actress?

N.B.-Taraji P. Henson

M.W.-If you could be any superhero who would you be and why?

N.B.-Wonder Woman because she is a strong, powerful example for women. She is a leader for women by carrying herself in an independent way. Her courageous manners make her a fearless leader in times of adversity. I see myself as a woman who demonstrates a lot of these characteristics.

M.W.-Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

N.B.-I see myself as a Behavioral Therapist with Autistic kids and work my way towards a case manager to help put kids on the spectrum.

#track #trackfield #triplejump #NCAA #D2 #sports #SFSU