At Walter Johnson High School, one particular athlete is catching the eye of college coaches all across America. Senior Jenna Goldberg, the newly-crowned cross country state champion and Walter Johnson’s cross country team captain, had not expected whatsoever that she would be where she is today.
“I originally tried out for the soccer team but got cut. I wanted to stay involved [with sports], so I went out for the cross country team,” Goldberg said.
Outstanding accolades have accompanied Goldberg’s career. During her sophomore year, the Walter Johnson cross country team won their 5th state championship in a row, a Maryland record. The school’s indoor track and field team won as well. In her junior year, Goldberg was the county and regional champion as well as a state medalist in the 3200-meter race.
Shortly after her junior year began, Goldberg learned of disappointing and unsettling news.
“Junior year I was diagnosed with anemia. It took a huge toll on me physically and mentally. I fatigued really easily and was unable to run fast,” Goldberg said.
However, this did not deter Goldberg from being a star runner.
“Jenna’s determination and how she reacts to setbacks is what separates her from many great runners,” Walter Johnson cross country coach Thomas Martin said. “She makes success very important to her and is willing to do the work that creates success.”
While Walter Johnson’s cross country team is huge, Goldberg is still able to lead each of her teammates.
“For the most part she leads by example, and her willingness to work hard—this encourages her teammates to do the same,” Martin said.
Walter Johnson sophomore and teammate Andrew Schell admires Goldberg’s personality; she is so enthusiastic that she is able to influence others.
“She is always positive and optimistic on running and life. She also always has fun with whatever she is doing,” Schell said. “She has taught me to love running because if you like what you do, you will get better at it.”
Goldberg finds her own inspiration from her teammates to balance a difficult workload with a jam-packed practice schedule.
“Practice starts at 3:00 [p.m.], and goes until we finish our workout for that day. It can be a little hard sometimes, but it has never become an issue. My teammates are really good at keeping me motivated,” Goldberg said.
Regardless of stress, Goldberg still finds time to be herself. When she is not running, Goldberg loves hiking and spending time with friends. Goldberg’s friends admire her not only for being a great athlete but for her supportive personality.
“The best part about Jenna is that she is so successful but still stays so humble about the whole thing. She also always makes sure to congratulate others on their achievements, which shows how great of a person she is,” Walter Johnson senior Geva Smith said.
Goldberg is thrilled to take her talents to Wake Forest University for the next four years, where she will continue her cross country career and major in either chemistry or psychology.
“Aside from competing at a very high level, she faced a very tough junior year with multiple medical issues that she did not let stop her from setting very high goals for herself and then achieving them,” Martin said.
Article by Jillian Ward of Walter Johnson High School
Photo courtesy of Jenna Goldberg