US Team Handball Women's National Team

Basic Facts

DOB: 4/01/1984
Place of Birth: Apalachin, NY
Hometown: Apalachin, NY
Height: 5’7”
Position: Circle
Started playing: Sept. 2005
High School: Seton Catholic Central
College: SUNY Cortland
Major: Athletic Training

Before the whistle blows, you might find Jen smiling among her teammates looking relaxed and at ease as the start of the game approaches. However, once she steps on the court, her smile is replaced with a competitive glare, giving her opponents the chance to see what battle lies ahead. This is why Jen has been so athletically successful, starting from when she was a small child. “I liked being active early on…I loved playing on teams where everyone was trying to reach the same goal and had to work hard to get there.”

Jen had spent her childhood growing up in Apalachin, NY. After standout performances in softball and basketball in high school, she went on to compete and continue her education at a local community college. While there, Jen was a stand out player in softball as the starting leftfielder leading their team to the national NJCAA Tournament where her team took third place. Having the ability to play at high competitive levels and maintain excellent hand, ball and eye coordination made Jen a natural candidate as a handball player.

After friend, (and future teammate), Amanda Gilette had introduced Jen to the game of handball, Jen’s interest was sparked as she dropped in to watch the team train one day. It was at that practice when Coach Latulippe told Jen to get on the court and play. She has been coming back ever since. “Handball is very similar to the sports I have played, yet also very different. Many aspects, like the rules are harder to learn, but I am very competitive and I like the challenge. This is my opportunity to play with a great group of girls and have a shot to play in the Olympics.”

Handball isn’t the only activity Jen is participating in while in Cortland, NY. She is also a full time student ambitiously pursuing her education in athletic training. When not on the court or in the classroom you’ll find Jen hiking in the outdoors, listening to mellow folk music, or enjoying her favorite meal, chicken fettuccini alfredo. Her laid back approach to life has allowed Jen to take in every opportunity to step out and follow the goals she has set for herself. These qualities paired with her commitment to excellence are only a few reasons we have much to expect from this new addition to the team.