Coaches

Co-Head Track and Field Coach

Hanah Smrt is an accomplished athlete and coach, now serving as the co-head coach for Yuba College track and field. A proud Yuba College track alumna, Hanah holds school records in the high jump, long jump, and 100-meter hurdles. She has been recognized as the 2018 BVC and 2019 GVC Field Athlete of the Meet, and in 2019, she was honored as the CCCAA State Champion in the Heptathlon and the CCCAA Field Athlete of the Year. She is a four-time NorCal Champion; 2x Heptathlon, 1x 100-meter hurdles and 1x long jump. Additionally, Hanah is a two-time Yuba College Female Athlete of the Year and a five-time CCCAA All American.
Continuing her athletic journey, Hanah earned a scholarship to compete at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she secured top 10 all-time rankings in the long jump and pentathlon and became a five-time Mountain West scorer.
Transitioning into coaching, Hanah has made significant contributions at Reno High School from 2022 to 2024, coaching athletes to state-level success, including state finalist Ezra Sambrano in the 300 hurdles, state runner-up Nick Woodhead in the high jump, and state finalist Sydney Porter in the high jump. She was also the Nevada Track and Field team manager for the 2023-2024 season, gaining experience in the higher education coaching scene.
Academically, Hanah holds an AA in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Yuba College, a BA in Psychology, and an MS in Equity and Diversity in Education from the University of Nevada, Reno. Her blend of athletic excellence and academic achievement positions her to help develop the next generation of athletes at Yuba College.

 

Co-Head Track and Field Coach

Howdy Atkinson

Throwers and Multis Coach

 

 

 

Amelia Adamson

Title: Assistant Coach (Multis and Javelin)

Amelia Adamson – Multi-Events & Javelin Coach, Yuba College

Amelia Adamson brings an exceptional athletic pedigree and a deep commitment to student-athlete development in her first year as a Multi-Events and Javelin coach at Yuba College, working under the guidance of Howdy Atkinson. A former standout heptathlete, Amelia competed for two years at Yuba College, where she quickly established herself as one of the top multi-event athletes in the state and nation.

As a freshman, Amelia earned All-State honors in the heptathlon, followed by All-American recognition as a sophomore. She was a scoring force at the conference championships, contributing points in the 100-meter hurdles, 200 meters, 400 meters, both relays (4×100 and 4×400), shot put, and high jump—while also winning the Triple Jump, Long Jump, and Heptathlon.

Her success earned her a scholarship to Cal Poly Pomona, where she continued her impact, helping the Broncos win two conference championships. She was a key scorer in both the heptathlon and the javelin, showcasing her versatility and consistency at the highest level.

Amelia graduated Summa Cum Laude from Cal Poly Pomona with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, reflecting her academic dedication alongside her athletic excellence. She now serves as a Physical Education teacher at Johnson Park and Ella Elementary schools, continuing to inspire young students through health, movement, and discipline.

In her coaching role at Yuba College, Amelia brings a relentless work ethic and a “never stop” mentality that defined her own career. Her passion and drive will be instrumental in elevating Yuba College’s Multi program, further solidifying its reputation as one of the premier multi-event programs in the nation.

 

 

 

 

 

Jordan Gutierrez-Sanders

Title: Assistant Coach (Jumps)

Jordan Gutierrez-Sanders – Yuba College Track & Field Jump Coach

Jordan Sanders is entering her fourth season as the dedicated Jumps Coach for Yuba College Track & Field. A proud alumna of the program, Jordan brings both elite experience and passionate mentorship to her athletes.

Athletic Background

Jordan’s track and field journey began at Yuba College, where she was a standout jumper and sprinter. She excelled in the Long Jump, consistently ranking among the top competitors in the conference and qualifying for multiple NorCal Championships. Her explosiveness and technical precision in the runway and take-off phases earned her recognition as one of Yuba’s most consistent jumpers.

She also played a pivotal role on one of the fastest 4x100m relay teams in Yuba College history, contributing to the squad’s dynamic speed and success. During her time as a student-athlete, Jordan helped lead the Women’s Track team to an impressive four consecutive Golden Valley Conference (GVC) Championships, showcasing her competitive spirit and versatility.

Jordan later transferred to California State University, Chico, where she continued competing in the Long Jump at the NCAA Division II level. At Chico State, she further honed her technique and gained valuable experience at the collegiate level of competition.

Coaching and Professional Career

With a Master’s degree in Kinesiology, Jordan combines science-based training with first-hand athletic insight. Her coaching philosophy focuses on technical mastery, mental discipline, and individual growth. Since joining the coaching staff at Yuba College, she has developed numerous GVC Champions in the Jumps, with athletes regularly reaching new personal bests under her guidance.

Jordan also works with youth athletes through the Fast Fast development program, where she brings her expertise to the next generation of jumpers and sprinters. Her coaching style emphasizes proper biomechanics, plyometric conditioning, and event-specific drills to maximize athlete potential in events such as the Long Jump, Triple Jump, and High Jump.

Legacy and Passion

Whether coaching collegiate competitors or young athletes just entering the sport, Jordan’s passion for track and field is unmatched. She is known for her relentless pursuit of knowledge, always seeking new strategies and techniques to empower her athletes to be their best. Her commitment to excellence and athlete-centered coaching continues to elevate Yuba College’s jumping program year after year.

Jay Meder

Title: Assistant Coach (Sprints & Hurdles)

Jay Meder – Sprints, Relays & Hurdles Coach

Jay Meder enters his 6th year as a coach for the Yuba College Track & Field team, where he leads the Sprints, Relays, and Hurdles programs with unmatched expertise and dedication. A former standout athlete at Yuba College himself, Jay competed as a two-sport athlete in both Track & Field and Football, specializing in the hurdles and sprint events. His competitive background and firsthand experience on the track give him a deep understanding of the physical and mental demands required to succeed at a high level.

Over his coaching tenure, Jay has made a significant impact on the Yuba Track program. Under his leadership, athletes have broken the school records in both the 100m dash and the 4x100m relay, signaling his ability to develop elite-level speed and technical precision. Jay has previously brought his coaching talents to Marysville High School and Wheatland High School, where he helped shape numerous student-athletes into top-tier competitors.

What sets Jay apart is his commitment to individualized training. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, he creates personalized programs tailored to each athlete’s strengths, needs, and goals. He integrates advanced tracking systems into daily practice sessions to monitor progress and make data-driven decisions that enhance performance. This detail-oriented approach extends into the weight room, where he implements a science-based strength and conditioning regimen to complement on-track development.

Thanks to his innovation, dedication, and technical mastery, Jay has transformed Yuba College into one of the premier hurdle programs in the North State. His athletes not only improve but thrive under his guidance, making Jay Meder a cornerstone of Yuba Track & Field’s sustained excellence.

 

Abby Meder

Title: Assistant Coach (Throw’s)

Dalton Novak

Title: Assistant Coach (Multi’s and Pole Vault)