Women in Sports: Jennifer Norton

An Interview by Ryan Paine

Jennifer Norton was born in Boynton Beach, Florida. Jennifer got into sports early, around the age of 8 years old she was playing baseball and golf. When she got to middle school, she switched over to softball while still competing at varsity level in gold from middle school to high school. After high school Jennifer attended Florida Atlantic University where she received her bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion and then her master's degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Strength and Conditioning. While there she continued her athletic career on full scholarship where she competed at the D1 level playing golf. She played gold at the university for 5 years from 2006 to 2011.

Jennifer's journey brought her to Radford after being out at FAU for 12 years, after an interview with Coach Bennett. "After the interview process and meeting Coach Bennett, I knew how much of an impact he could have on me as a person and as a coach. I knew the move to Radford was the best decision for me to grow." She also knew she wanted to live near the mountains after spending a lot of her life in South Florida.

When I asked how Radford Athletics had made her feel included as a female when working in a male dominated industry. "I believe the way you carry yourself as a professional has everything to do with how you are treated, whether you are male or female. In my personal experience, I have never been treated any differently than any other male strength and conditioning coach."

Some advice Jennifer wants to share with upcoming female leaders would be if you want something bad enough you will find a way to get it. "You can do things and it is okay to be confident, relentless, and strong. The only limits you have is those you set on yourself, so my advice is; DO SET ANY LIMITS!"

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