Open Nav

Meet USTA Professional member

Kyler Jump

Kyler Jump is quickly becoming one of USTA’s most sought-after judges. He knows what it’s like to be in front of a judge and this has motivated him in his professional role as a judge. Here’s how he explained it to Inside Loop:

Inside Loop: : As one of USTA’s rising star judges, what are some things that you’ve learned about baton twirling while sitting behind the table?

Jump: One of the most important things that I have learned while sitting behind the judging table is that every single judge just wants the athletes to do their absolute best. I know that when I was competing, I found the judges to be extremely intimidating. I wish that I could go back knowing what I know now. Judges are just people who absolutely love the sport of baton twirling and want to support and develop it in any way we can. We were in the athletes’ position at one time, and we know how it feels to be there. This is knowledge I wish I could share with every athlete who is out there competing.

Inside Loop: What can you say to older athletes to encourage them to become USTA coaches and judges?

Jump: The number one thing I would say to these athletes is that it is completely OK to be scared to move on to become a USTA coach and/or judge. From the very beginning of my baton journey, I knew that I wanted to continue with the sport in some capacity after retiring from competition. Once it got closer to that time, the thought of moving on and taking that next step became terrifying to me. Sooooo many worries came to my mind. How can I lead a class by myself? How do I sit at a judging table and fit in alongside people who have been judging me at competitions for years? After you sit down at that table, all those nerves and fears go away. It is the most rewarding experience to be able to stay involved and promote the sport of baton twirling in any way I can. We are all so lucky to be involved in a sport where we are able to continue to contribute far beyond your years on the competition floor. I encourage any athlete wishing to stick with the sport to take that leap. Even though it is scary, it is worth every moment.

What are three things about you that the baton world probably doesn’t know?

Jump:

  • I teach baton weekly with one of my best friends in the entire world Madison Eis, for The Deputies Baton & Drum Corps. On top of that I teach monthly “Get a Grip” clinics with my husband, Michael Harris-Jump, where we work on developing athletes’ skills and technique.
  • In September of 2021 I obtained my property & casualty insurance license. I am also currently studying and working to obtain my real estate license in the state of Ohio.
  • During the pandemic, I developed a bit of a plant obsession. I now have more than 150 plants in my house. I am quickly running out of room!