Skyline High School has produced top-level and inspiring athletes, many of whom have decided to take their sport to the next level. Athletes like Olympic speed climber Zach Hammer (‘24), North American Hockey League (NAHL) junior hockey player Tim Hewko (‘23), and NCAA Division I rower Gretel Ham (‘23).
Where are they now?
At the time of the interview, Hammer said, “I am currently in Seoul, South Korea, for the [International Federation of Sport Climbing] World Championship, where I will be competing with the best climbers in the world for the title of World Champion,” says Skyline alum Zach Hammer (‘24). “This is the pinnacle of my sport and the last event of our season.” At that championship, Hammer placed 3rd.
Hammer has been rock climbing since he was three years old. He started because of an older sibling and has been climbing ever since. However, two years ago, Hammer decided to fully commit to the sport. Hammer made finals for his first world championship in Bern, Switzerland, in 2023, a huge goal of his. This allowed him to move on to the Olympic Qualifiers in China and Hungary. At that moment, he knew what he wanted to do. Hammer graduated from Skyline a trimester early and then moved to Utah to pursue his Olympic dreams. In 2024, Hammer competed in the Paris Olympics, placing 14th in the men’s speed event. Now, he is a full-time student at the University of Utah, a professional speed climber, and an Olympian.
Skyline Graduate Tim Hewko (‘23) currently plays hockey, representing the Ice Wolves, wearing number 26 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Hewko competes and trains full-time. “I am to be playing hockey like a job. Not many people are going to have the experiences and memories I have while playing junior hockey,” says Hewko. “It is something I am grateful for. It has also set me up with many life lessons I can use in my future.”
Hewko has been skating since he was five years old. He fell in love with the sport after watching his father. “Watching [him] play made me want to play with him,” he adds. Hewko decided to play at the next level during his senior year of high school and committed to play for the New Mexico Ice Wolves in 2023. Tim has been playing with them ever since. Tim knew this was the right choice; the Ice Wolves have established resources and coaches, making them one of the top places to be for development. Hewko is currently being recruited by many college teams all over the country and will finish out the 2025-2026 Ice Wolves season before committing.
Skyline alumna Gretel Ham (‘23), NCAA Division 1 rower and Academic All-Big Ten athlete, is currently a rower for the University of Michigan.
“It’s not easy to manage my schoolwork and rowing, but I think that is what makes it such a valuable experience,” says Ham (‘23). “I have had to learn how to advocate for myself and to manage my time, which makes doing what we do possible.”
Ham was originally a swimmer; however, it was not until the COVID pandemic that it became challenging to devote time to the pool. To stay in shape, Gretel took up rowing, a sport that both her parents had enjoyed. She fell in love and has been rowing ever since.
Ham committed to Michigan for rowing during her junior year of high school after visiting many other schools. Ham chose to compete at the University of Michigan due to its reputation for academic and athletic excellence. “It was really important to me when deciding where to go that both school and sports were prioritized and that I could find success in both areas of my life.”
Andrew Hewko is Tim Hewko’s brother.
