Since sixth grade, Jenny has participated in a variety of sports activities, including snow and water skiing, track and field, and wheelchair basketball. Along with participation, Jenny has also received many athletic honors. In 2005, she was one of only 36 USA athletes selected to participate in the Australian Junior Games. She traveled with Wheelchair Sports USA as part of Team USA for Track and Field. Jenny returned home with two gold medals from the event, in shotput and discus.

Jenny also takes pleasure in giving back to the community, and teaching others through her experiences. She greatly enjoys serving as a Counselor in Training at Wave Camp, a summer camp for children with physical disabilities. As a former Wave Camper, Jenny has found another way to give back to the community that allowed her to thrive. Jenny has also volunteered with Project Play and Ability First.

In addition to her athletic and community service accomplishments, Jenny pursues a Therapeutic Recreation degree at Sac State. She explains that her positive experiences through adaptive sports have motivated her to give back her knowledge and experiences to others with disabilities. In the future Jenny hopes to work for Disabled Sports USA or Access Leisure, nonprofit organizations that support individuals with disabilities.

ATOU caught Jenny’s attention through a Sac State Therapeutic Recreation class. She appreciated the unique experiences and education provided through this organization, and elected to become a speaker for the program. Jenny ends every presentation with the statement, “The wheelchair is part of me, but not all of me.” With all she has accomplished, this is clearly true!