Jumping into the fray is what new assistant track and field coach Brad Walker is known for.

A nine-time USA Track and Field pole vault champion and the current record-holder for U.S. men’s pole vaulting with a height of 6.04 meters, Walker has quite the résumé. It was announced Wednesday evening that Walker will join the WSU track and field coaching staff.

A Washington native, Walker represented the U.S. at two Olympic Games, Beijing and London. He also received gold and silver medals in the World Indoor and Outdoor Championships from 2005 to 2008 and a bronze medal in 2012.

“He is the most accomplished male pole vaulter in U.S. history,” Director of WSU Cross Country and Track and Field Wayne Phipps said in a press release. “What also impressed me was his knowledge of training in all areas, his professionalism and his passion for the sport. He has worked with some of the world’s greatest coaches, competed at the very highest levels, and has helped athletes at every level.”

Although a graduate from the University of Washington, Walker grew up in Spokane.

“It’s kind of in my backyard, being from Spokane, so it feels like a homecoming,” Walker said in a press release. “I am really excited about this opportunity. As my repertoire started to grow, I felt that I had a lot of information to share and couldn’t be happier to do it at Washington State.”

Walker said he has always wanted to give coaching a try and as the new assistant coach for pole vault and high jump for the upcoming track and field season, he is excited to begin.

Reporting by Casie Moe