Jenny plays many roles, both internal and external to MSU. At MSU, she is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology, a Faculty Affiliate for the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports, and Co-coordinator of the MSU Summer Coaches’ School. She is also Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for the United States Center for Coaching Excellence (USCCE).
Jenny teaches five courses in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration online graduate programs:
- KIN 852 – Ethics in Sport Coaching, Leadership, and Administration
- KIN 857 Promoting Positive Youth Development Through Sport
- KIN 865 Stages of Athlete Development
- KIN 872 The Science of Sport Coaching, Leadership and Administration
- KIN 880 Practicum in Sport Coaching
Her research focuses on how coaches promote the positive youth development of the athletes and youth they work with. Essentially, how can the sport experience be structured so each participant gains valuable life skills through participation. She also conducts research on modified youth sport, examining how modifying equipment in tennis can lead to skill development.
Recently, she’s written an article for Sport Coach America on modified youth sport and was a guest on a podcast called “Do I Need My Racket?”, episode: “Hey Coach!”
A fun fact about Jenny is that she used to coach boys’ and girls’ high school varsity tennis and is looking forward to coaching again soon!