About Jessica

Hometown:
Hillsborough, NJ

Team Affliliation:
University of Illinois

Jessica is currently attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in Community Health with a concentration in Health Policy and Administration. Jessica completed her undergraduate work at the University of Illinois and in May of 2006, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. In addition, she is an active member of Delta Sigma Omicron, a service organization at the University that promotes disability awareness throughout the local community.

On a national level, Jessica serves as an advocate and a voice for athletes. She currently serves as the Secretary on the Executive Board of Wheelchair and Ambulatory Sports, USA and as Secretary on the Executive Board of Wheelchair Track and Field, USA. Additionally, Jessica is the Summer Paralympic Representative on the United States Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Advisory Council. In this role, Jessica is able to share ideas, concerns and other issues with fellow Olympic and Paralympic athletes in an effort to better the opportunities and the support shown for athletes around the country.

Honors

2008

Nominated for an ESPY under the category Best Female Athlete with a Disability
Recipient of the Timothy J. Nugent Award in recognition of service performed by a student to both the rehabilitation program and fellow students
Inducted into Hillsborough High School’s Hall of Fame
Selected as Athlete of the Month in February by the organizing committee for Chicago 2016

2007

Selected as the 2007 Paralympian of the Year by the United States Olympic Committee
Nominated for the 2007 Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year
Recipient of the Nationwide Achievement Award for Female Athletics at the Visa Paralympic World Cup held in Manchester, UK

2006

Recipient of the Track & Field Athlete of the Year Award presented by USA Track & Field Committee on Athletics for the Disabled
Nominated for the 2007 Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year Award
Recipient of the George Huff Award for scholar-athletes from the University of Illinois

2005

Recipient of the George Huff Award for scholar-athletes from the University of Illinois
Named one of the “20 Outstanding Women You Should Know” by the Illini Radio Group

2004

Recipient of the George Huff Award for scholar-athletes from the University of Illinois

2002

Recipient of the Just One Break (JOB) Junior Role Model of the Year Award

2001

Recipient of the State of New Jersey Alvin Slootsky Exemplary Recreation Lifestyle for an Individual Award

2000

Recipient of the Wheelchair Sports, USA Junior Female Track Excellence Award

1999

Recipient of the Sports ‘N’ Spokes Magazine’s Junior Athlete of the Year Award

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