Born and raised in the Southwest, Jess started her running career much earlier than most, when she began competing in cross country and track as a USATF Youth athlete in 6th grade. Her successes also started early while at Xavier College Prep High School in Phoenix, AZ. Jess would garner national attention as a two-time Arizona state cross country champion and four-time FootLocker cross country national finalist. After Xavier, Jess chose to take her talents to Palo Alto and run for the Cardinal. While competing for Stanford, Jess brought home 7 All-American honors and both an undergraduate and Master's degree in Communication (Media Studies). Jess says, "Having competed at the highest level in each chapter of my running career has afforded me the opportunity to learn so much through this sport - the easy lessons, the tough lessons, and all the ones in between."
Off the track, Jess believes in living a balanced life, stating, "I have always been an athlete who thrives off of having other stimuli in my life – family/friends, school/work, hobbies, etc. I LOVE to cook and admit that I watch way more Food Network than one should in their entire life time. I am also a part-time Marketing Consultant for three companies. I have come to learn that I love using my brain as much as my legs!" There is no wonder with so many interests and so much going on that Jess lives by the motto "be present," which she credits to Stanford's Coach Miltenberg. She says, "I believe it is extremely important to compartmentalize the various aspects of your life and to be fully present and in the moment. This means that while you're spending time with family or friends, at work or school, doing your favorite hobby, or spending time by yourself, be ALL there. This not only makes me a happy runner, but this makes me a way happier person."
As for what's next when her races on the track are finished, Jess's interests continue to be wide open, saying, "I would love to transition to the roads and see what I can do in the half/full marathon. I believe I will run as long as my body lets me; however, I would love to make my way into the culinary arts/food industry and one day own my own restaurant concept. I would also love a career in Marketing."
