ASU track & field adds Anna Jelmini

Anna Jelmini (Bakersfield, Calif.) has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue both her academic and athletic careers with the Arizona State University track and field program, David Dumble, ASU’s throws coach, announced Wednesday. The senior at Shafter High School is one of the top throwers in the prep ranks heading into the season and will look to become one of the top collegiate throwers when she joins the Sun Devils in time for the start of the 2010 seasons.

“We are very excited about Anna joining the Sun Devil family,” Dumble said. “She is already one of the top high school throwers of all time as a junior and can only get better as she attempts to break more records her senior year. Anna’s impact to the team is huge, as she will be able to continue the great success and tradition in the throws at ASU. She will be a part of an amazing recruiting class that will only help us contend for more championships. Not only are her athletic credentials amazing, but her work ethic and devotion to success makes her a great fit with the rest of our program.”

“I chose ASU because of their awesome program, team and great year round training conditions,” Jelmini said. “They have had some great winning seasons. The coaching staff is very dedicated and the team is very committed. The team instantly welcomed me to their group and, with all these combinations, the fit was perfect for me.”

On a list of impressive accomplishments, her personal-best in the discus stands out. In 2008, she launched the implement 183-11 to record the best mark in the nation by over 15 feet while also taking over the Junior World lead. That mark, accomplished in just her junior season, also stands as the fourth-best all-time in the nation and second on the California ledger. She competed in the IAAF World Junior Championships and placed seventh after taking the 2008 state championship, the 2008 Arcadia Championship and placing 19th at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field.

Jelmini also found success in other disciplines, including recording the second-best toss nationally in the shot put at 50-04.00 while also leading the nation in the javelin with a heave of 170-05. The 2008 state and Arcadia champion in the shot put, she advanced to the USATF Junior Championships, where she finished fourth overall.

The Jelmini File
Name: Anna Jelmini
Hometown: Bakersfield, Calif.
High School: Shafter HS

Quick Notes: National and World (junior) leader in the discus in 2008 with a throw of 183-11... ranked second in the nation in the shot put at 50-04.00... also led the nation in the javelin (170-5)... swept the shot put and discus at the 2008 California State meet after doing the same at the Arcadia meet... finished seventh in the discus at the 2008 IAAF World Junior Championships... competed in the 2008 U.S. Team Trials - Track & Field and placed 19th overall.

What They Are Saying About Jelmini
Michele Jelmini (mother):
“The transition from Shafter High to ASU should be seamless since the coaching styles are based on a positive and encouraging teaching method. We are looking forward to seeing Anna compete in the Pac-10 meets that are close to home and the weather should be very conducive to throwing outside a great deal of the time. Most importantly, she will receive a top-notch education.”

Richard Jelmini (father):
“After our meeting with Coach Dumble, Coach [Greg] Kraft and the entire throwing team, I realized their dedication to winning was only matched by that of Anna’s own personal drive for excellence. I feel that combination will enable Anna to fulfill her long term goals in life.”

Matt Godbehere (SHS coach):
“I’m thrilled for Anna to be attending ASU and being part of one of the premier track and field programs in the country. Anna has worked very hard to become one of our nation’s top preps and I’m excited to see her continue her development under Coach Dumble’s tutelage.”