Jenna LeNay
Long distance runner Jenna LeNay (senior) finished ninth out of 276 runners in the women’s 6K at the Pomona-Pitzer Invitational Oct. 4 with a final time of 22:17:05.
Robert Bartlett, cross country and track head coach, said LeNay’s dedication to the sport is responsible for her success.
“A lot of the work is done when no one else is around in the summers and winters,” Bartlett said. “Jenna’s got an incredible work ethic but I think that comes from having very high levels of self-accountability.”
Demi Marine, assistant track and cross country coach, said LeNay’s work ethic sets an example for the rest of the team.
“Jenna likes to do the most and so often we have to hold her back. We have to tell her that she doesn’t always have to do this much,” Marine said. “But I like that she always wants to [train] more.”
LeNay said the team and the sport have taught her a lot about who she is, not only as an athlete but as a person.
“[I’ve learned] I’m stronger than I initially thought from a mental perspective,” LeNay said. “I can handle a lot. If I set my mind to something I can do it.”
Marine said LeNay’s love of the sport sets her apart from other athletes.
“If we give her a 13 mile run, she’ll do it and she’ll enjoy it,” Marine said. “If we give her two workouts in a day she’ll do it and enjoy it. She truly enjoys the process and that’s […] pivotal. A lot of athletes just like racing and don’t like the work. [LeNay is] an entirely different breed.”
Bartlett said LeNay’s long list of athletic accomplishments is not the only thing that defines her.
“She is very credentialed and accomplished,” Bartlett said. “She’s gone to three national championships so far, and she’s broken lots of records. But I’m more proud of who she is as a person and how hard she works.”
According to Bartlett, LeNay has earned her stripes as an athlete.
“There isn’t any achievement left for her to unlock,” Bartlett said. “She’s capable of great things athletically and maybe more than she realizes or gives herself credit for. I just want her to have fun and enjoy this period of time.”
Carlos Abram
Goalkeeper Carlos Abram (sophomore) had three saves during Occidental’s men’s soccer game against CalTech Oct. 1 and a complete shutout against Redlands University Oct. 4.
Fabien Segalini, assistant goalkeeper coach, said Abram’s attitude and approach to the game have remained consistent, despite a spinal injury his first year.
“He’s a great person,” Segalini said. “[He] never complains [and] works hard. He was patiently waiting for his moment and he took it. So far he’s delivering.”
Abram said what helped him recover and regain confidence in himself and his abilities was the support from his family, friends and teammates.
“[My family] basically said, ‘This is temporary. It’s going to take time but you’re going to come back stronger,'” Abram said. “Hearing that support from my friends and family really helped me.”
Abram said his dedication to the sport comes from his competitive nature and drive.
“I love [soccer],” Abram said. “I’m competitive and I love my teammates. I want to work for them and be the best soccer player I can be. It [has] become an emotional thing for me where I want to give my all so my team can win.”
Segalini said Abram’s resilient attitude is one of his greatest strengths because it allows him to process mistakes through self-reflection.
“He’s good at adjusting mentally,” Segalini said. “He is capable of switching [his mindset], […] which is very impressive.”
Abram said he strives to maintain a high level of confidence during games, not only in his abilities on the field but also in his teammates.
“If you don’t have [confidence] then you end up messing up,” Abram said. “Everyone is going to make mistakes. The faster you can move past that, the better.”
Abram said in his time at Occidental, he’s had a lot of time to reflect on his feelings about the sport and always comes back to soccer because of his competitive drive.
“[I am] figuring out what’s important to me,” Abram said. “In high school I had a lot more support from my parents. Here, it’s up to you if you really want to do this.”
Segalini said Abram’s spirit on the field helps him lead and support the team.
“He’s a quiet leader but still has a voice on the field,” Segalini said. “He’s fearless, he’s going to go for everything. When you see him working his butt off day in and day out, it’s hard to not follow [his example].”
Segalini said at this rate, Abram is capable of creating a strong legacy at Occidental.
“He has all the tools to be someone that people will remember for years,” Segalini said.
Contact Arlo Gallati at gallati@oxy.edu
