US Team Handball Women's National Team

Basic Facts

DOB: 9/9/83
Place of Birth: Kwangju, S. Korea
Hometown: Valencia, CA
Height: 5’4”
Position: Wing
Started Playing: October 2001
High School: William S. Hart
College: USMA at West Point
Major: Human Factors Engineering

What most people don’t know when they meet Jennie, is how diverse her skills are. From cooking to music, engineering, and making a perfect wing shot on the court, she is an all around stellar person.

Coming from a traditional Korean family, Jennie experienced a few culture clashes with American and Korean traditions. Her parents moved from South Korea to the US in hopes of giving their children every opportunity to excel in life. Jennie has done that, and so much more. Jennie has become comfortable and confident in herself and has always chosen the path less traveled by her traditional Korean parents.

Growing up in Southern California was a highlight in her childhood. Jennie was introduced to sports early on, being the only girls surrounded by her brother and four male cousins. Instead of dolls, Jennie spent her time on the basketball courts with her cousins.“ I was the girl who would run around and get dirty all the time. I was just ‘one of the guys’ and I enjoyed being outdoors and doing something.” 

This gave Jennie an edge while participating on the tennis and basketball teams at William S. Hart High School. It was also during this time when Jennie found another passion in her life: music. A talented pianist and violin player, Jennie has an ear for music and considers it an outlet from her busy schedule. “ I can get away from reality and be relaxed in a musical environment.”

College is a time of transition for anyone, but especially for Jennie, who, along with Handball teammate Sara Merkl, attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. At West Point, Jennie had her first encounter with team handball. “It was hard in the beginning learning different rules how to play…but once you start playing, you catch on fast.” Jennie was a natural at the wing position and quickly excelled in her new sport. By the end of her junior year, she took the advice of her coach and tried out for the US National team. 

Jennie brings so much to the US National program. She is a hard worker and dedicated to both her service to the country, and her handball team. “Being in the Army makes it more meaningful playing for this team and representing our country…I’m thankful that the Army has a program (World Class Athlete Program), that allows us to be able to participate at the elite level of sports…it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Jennie’s future for team handball and in life looks bright and promising. Along with Olympic dreams, Jennie’s ambitions for music and life will no doubt leave an impression on anyone who meets her.