By Emily Arthur, UF Communications
In the midst of his junior season, Frankie Hammond, Jr. has fulfilled the role as a multi-dimensional athlete for the University of Florida. On the gridiron, he has contributed to a National Championship victory and many other notable wins for the Orange and Blue. Away from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Hammond has also competed for the Gator track & field team during the last three seasons as a high jumper. His skills in that area have allowed him to compete internationally donning the Red, White and Blue.
As a 16-year-old high school student out of Hollywood, Fla., Hammond's high jumping talent quickly propelled him from local competition to the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) Championships, held in Ostrava, Czech Republic. There, he competed against the best amateur athletes in the world, as he traveled to represent his country. It was a monumental life experience for Hammond and has helped him become the Gator that he is today.
“That was a pretty amazing experience,” Hammond said. “I got to learn from it and meet all types of people from across the world. That was probably one of the coolest things - it opened my eyes to other cultures and broadened my horizons.”
After Hammond jumped 6'9.75” in front of a global audience, he managed to place 12th in his age group. He also claimed top honors in the high jump at the AAU Junior Olympics after he jumped 2.08 meters.
“That was a big experience for me. To say that I placed 12th out of everybody in the world was a big deal,” Hammond explained. “At that age, it was definitely a big achievement for me to have on my resume. I take pride in that.”
He attributes his success on and off the field to his childhood pastimes: youth football and roller skating.
“Growing up, everybody played football. It was kind of the thing to do,” the Hollywood native said. “I played basketball, football and track so I never really got a break. It was just one sport to the next year-round.”
When he did get a break from structured athletics, Hammond partook in the family hobby – roller skating – one that he claims has helped him in athletics.
“I think that skating when I was younger has helped me with football. I went every weekend with my entire family. When people ask me, 'how do you jump so high?' I laugh and just say, 'skating.'”
“Skating helped build my high jump, and in turn, football,” he acknowledged. “To me, skating helps with a lot of things: balance, posture, leg strength and cardio. Whenever I get the chance to go home for a weekend, I try to fit it in.”
Playing for the Gators has also helped Hammond plan for life after sports. The telecommunications major plans to become a sports broadcaster upon graduation next year. He already has experience in the field from attending Hallandale High School, a magnet school for television production.
“I want to be a broadcaster for ESPN,” he said. “Right now, I'm beginning to work extensively in the field, especially with the technical aspect of everything. My high school specialized in that field so I'm familiar with all of the programs. Of course, when you get to the real world it's a little different, but I'm learning the ropes.”
In addition studying television production, being an athlete has afforded him opportunities to hone his craft. As a Gator student-athlete, Hammond has gained invaluable experience interacting with the media. He has learned how to go about different angles for questions and how to gain information. Hammond is grateful for the unique opportunity of being interviewed regularly, because he hopes one day to be on the other side of interviews and press conferences.
“When I talk to media, it's interesting because someday I hope to be in their shoes,” Hammond admitted. “Seeing both sides, I think it's beneficial because I can critique, give answers and understand what they are trying to learn from me. Playing football at Florida helps because the media is here and it gets me prepared for the future.”
As a redshirt junior, Hammond has been able to experience different stages of collegiate athletics. Having played on the Gators' national title team in 2008, he knows the hard work it takes to get to the top.
“My most memorable experience would be during my freshman year, when we won the National Championship,” Hammond remembered. “That was a great experience, to be at the top of the game at the collegiate level. Every competitive athlete strives to win.”
What Hammond has learned during his athletic career has also helped him life. Hard work and effort pay off in the end. All the time and commitment are reflected in his academic and athletic achievements. Standing where he is today, Hammond understands and appreciates all the success he has had.
“I've gained so much from football and track and where they've taken me,” Hammond reflected. “I know the determination it took to get me to where I am today. I don't plan to stop in the future.”
