Nutley Female Athlete of the Month

Currently, Jenna is the top shot putter and discus thrower for the Nutley High School track and field team, and is also one of the fastest sprinters and hurdlers.

She has had success in the jumping events, and has come to embrace the role of leader and being a kind of a “jack of all trades.” She can be counted on to join almost  any relay team. Jenna maintains a 3.45 GPA and is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, the NHS Student Council and Key Club. She works part time, and has served as a church volunteer. Jenna medalled in the shot put at the SEC Liberty Division
Championship meets both indoor and outdoor. During her junior year, she also medalled in the triple jump in the SEC Liberty Division.

You’ve done everything in track. What’s your favorite event?
I would have to say that shot put is my favorite event. It was the first event
I gravitated toward when I first started my track career sophomore year.
I figured since I have a pretty strong arm, why not try it out; turns out
I wasn’t too bad after all.

Are there different mental and physical demands for a runner and a thrower?
I think being a runner and a thrower, the mental and physical demand is the
same. Both events require strength and confidence in oneself. When I run or
throw, I think about my past performance and try to do better each time.
Aside from the need to be physically strong as a thrower, I definitely think
that runners need to be mentally strong. It’s really all about confidence and
knowing you can improve by putting yourself in the right mindset.

How do you gear up for a meet? Any superstitions?
One thing I always have to do before a meet is listen to my “pre-game” playlist on
the bus ride to the track. Music just puts me in a good mood, and I like to think that
it gives me more energy and excitement before I have to run, throw, or jump.

What’s your favorite TV show? How come?
I can’t say that I have a favorite TV show, but you’ll most likely find me
watching “Friends,” “Cops,” or “Bob’s Burgers.” I think all of them are hilarious
and they never fail to make me laugh.

You’ve got school, track, Key Club, work. How do you relax?
I think that it all comes down to time management and priorities. Sometimes I
find it difficult to balance my schedule, but when I do have the time to relax, I
love just being able to spend time with family and friends.

What music are you listening to?
I love listening to all kinds of music but my favorite has to be country.

What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I’m looking forward to spending time with my friends and
family in the summer, but I’m also excited to be attending Monmouth University
in the fall as a business major.