Jenna Mahoney: A leader on and off the court
Jenna Mahoney: A leader on and off the court
Mahoney reflects on her journey to being selected to the prestigious position as the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) SALT president.
Jenna Mahoney is a name you are likely familiar with if you follow Bethel College's tennis team or read The Collegian. Whether as a writer, an editor, or a tennis player, Mahoney has made a significant impact on the Bethel community through her involvement in athletics, student leadership, and journalism.
Mahoney’s influence is evident both on and off the tennis courts. Over the past four years, she has balanced her roles as a key member of the tennis team, a leader in several student organizations, and a staff member of The Collegian, where she has served two years as sports editor and now holds the position of deputy editor-in-chief.
Mahoney has also been deeply involved in student leadership, particularly through her work with the Bethel Student-Athlete Leadership Team (SALT). She’s been a part of the committee for three years, and this is her second year serving as SALT president.
In addition to her contributions at Bethel, Mahoney’s leadership has extended beyond the college. This year, she was selected as the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) SALT president, representing the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Association of Student-Athletes (ASA). She also serves her second term as the NAIA’s sole representative on the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s (ITA) Student-Athlete Council.
When reflecting on these roles, Mahoney shared, “As for representing the KCAC and the NAIA on the NAIA level and ITA level respectively, these are positions I never expected to be in.”
One of Mahoney’s priorities in these positions is helping athletes transition from collegiate sports to life after graduation. “I hope to help better the NAIA and ITA so that it is beneficial for all student-athletes.” Mahoney continued, “One of the things we focus on in the ITA SAC is the transition from college athletics and the real world after, and this is something important to me as I graduate this year”.
Beyond her leadership roles, Mahoney has worked as the assistant to the sports information director within the athletic department at Bethel.
Balancing her responsibilities as a student-athlete and leader hasn’t always been easy. When asked what drives her to stay so involved, Mahoney said, “My main motivation is to not only better myself but better the people around me,” Mahoney said. She then emphasized leaving a positive impact on those around her. “If I can leave a positive impact after my time at Bethel is done, then I’ll feel good about my four years here.”
“If I can leave a positive impact after my time at Bethel is done, then I’ll feel good about my four years here.”
Jenna Mahoney
For Mahoney, being engaged in so many activities is about more than personal achievement. “Being able to show how you can be a student-athlete and also be in all these leadership positions also motivates me to continue to do them even when it feels like a lot is going on,” expressed Mahoney.
As a standout player on the tennis team, Mahoney has earned the respect of her coaches and teammates alike. She credits much of her success to the support she’s received from her head coach, Gabe Johnson.
“He believed in me early on as a freshman when I had no confidence in myself and he continues to do that every day,” said Mahoney. “I’ve never questioned his confidence in me and he’s made me a better person these last three years.”
Johnson echoed Mahoney’s sentiments, praising her growth as both a player and a leader. “Jenna is an integral part of the Bethel tennis team and the community as a whole,” said Johnson. “She is as pure and authentic of a teammate and supporter that you will find.”
Johnson went on to highlight Mahoney as a teammate and leader saying, “Jenna sets the tone for how the tennis team supports one another and I am immensely proud of Jenna’s growth and evolution as a leader.” He capped off his statement by saying, “Because Jenna chose to believe in herself, she has helped others to do the same”.
In addition to Johnson, Mahoney highlighted several other figures at Bethel who have influenced her, including former athletic director Tony Hoops, former sports information director Collin Loutensock, and current operations administrator Stacy Middleton. “I’ve had many long conversations with them questioning if I was even right to be in these positions and they have never doubted me one bit and I know no matter what I decide, they support me 100%.”
Finally, Mahoney credited her father as her greatest source of encouragement. “Without him, I wouldn’t have any of the leadership skills I have today or be here at all, so I am extremely thankful for him.”