In the 2009-2010 scholastic year, Pasadena High and Polytechnic School housed two of the best high jumpers in the country. Five years later, they are not only teammates on the UCLA track and field roster, but the closest of friends.
While at Pasadena High, redshirt senior Alexis Walker was No. 4 in the nation in high jump, and often competed against senior Zibby Boyer.
“I’ve known Zibby since high school. We didn’t know each other but we were close. I was very excited when I found out that someone from the Pasadena area was coming to UCLA as a high jumper,” Walker said. “From the moment she got here we became really good friends and really got to work together.”
Walker was moved to the multievents in 2013 in order to further help the team. Walker said this change left her feeling wistful, as she was separated from one of her closest friends and training partners. She reflected on how this affected her relationship with Boyer.
“When I was moved over to the multis team, I was kind of taken away from training everyday with her, it was kind of a sad moment for me because I got to lose spending time with one of my really good friends,” Walker said.
However, as a pentathlete, Walker is still required to practice high jump, and took advantage of working with Boyer throughout the past weeks. Walker was successful in her performance this past weekend as she won the women’s pentathlon with a personal best of 3,933 points.
Boyer did not compete this weekend, but did win the high jump Jan. 31 at the New Mexico Invitational, tying for the eighth-best mark in UCLA history at 6 feet. Boyer commented on her relationship with Walker and how her influence helped her achieve this feat.
“So much of this sport is mental. (Walker) and I usually jump together. I prefer jumping with her because she’s so supportive. We goof around with each other to keep the mood light and prevent anyone from getting overly serious or critical,” Boyer said. “It’s really nice having her to train with because she really helps me stay confident and loose.”
Boyer said she has set new goals for herself, as she continues to improve on the year.
“Six feet was my goal and now I guess I need a new one,” Boyer said. “I do definitely want to be an All-American and place at nationals. I’d really like to place at nationals.”
Having been through it all during her time at UCLA, Boyer reflected on how much the team means to her.
“The program means the world to me. All my best friends are on the team. I can’t even begin to imagine my college experience without these teammates and track to motivate me to do well and represent UCLA,” Boyer said.
Compiled by Vikram Sairam, Bruin Sports contributor.