KATIE KOSTRO

Parents:
Our daughter Katie began working with Coach Hugo as a sophomore, attending his weekend camps. She was driven to qualify for state and wanted to improve her high jump performance. Coach Hugo’s camps provided her with a supportive and positive environment to learn, practice, and grow. Through his guidance, she achieved her goal, improving both her technique and competition results.

Entering her junior year, Coach Hugo continued to build on Katie’s foundation, deepening her understanding of the technical aspects of high jumping. As the season progressed, we watched her confidence soar. She took in the feedback he provided with focus and determination. Throughout the season, Katie regularly reached out to share both her highs and lows. Coach Hugo always made time to listen, celebrate her victories, and help her navigate the unexpected challenges of competition His consistent support and expert guidance were invaluable to her growth.

Katie’s 2025 high school season resulted in a 1st Place High Jump win at the Illinois 2A State Championship and a new school record. She went on to compete at Nike Nationals, where she earned the title of All American, a silver medal and a personal best of 5’9¼”.

Watching the other Kangaroo jumpers, it’s clear that Coach Hugo brings the same dedication, care, and passion to all his athletes. His coaching goes far beyond high jump skills, he equips his jumpers with life skills such as resilience, discipline, and perseverance lessons that will stay with them long after the competition ends.

We are incredibly grateful to have found Coach Hugo and Kangaroo Track Club. Katie’s success at high jump would not have been possible without Coach Hugo’s coaching.

Mine:
I began training and attending high jump camps with coach Hugo my sophomore year of high school. I knew little about high jump and the technical aspects that go into the jump. Coach Hugo worked with me breaking down each phase of the jump in terms/metaphors I could individually understand. He emphasizes the importance of athletes “feeling” the jump and helping athletes come to their own conclusions about making improvements.

Rather than just giving instructions, he created a learning environment where I could ask questions, experiment, and really engage with the process. His patient, thoughtful teaching style helped me build both my confidence and my understanding of the event from the ground up.

Through Coach Hugo’s authentic approach and focus on development I was able to jump consistently and perform under pressure. I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from Coach Hugo!

SEE KATIE’S JUMPS HERE: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLOfcAoJNQH/