Jenna Dickey
From Pacer Student-Athlete to Championship Leader: Jenna Dickey’s Journey
As the Associate Executive Director of Championships at the Middle Atlantic Conference, Jenna Dickey has turned her passion for athletics into a thriving career—one rooted in the experiences and relationships she built during her time at Marywood.
Jenna chose Marywood for both academic and athletic opportunities. “I chose Marywood because of the small class sizes and the opportunity to play field hockey while continuing my education,” she said. After beginning her college journey at a larger state school, she realized she missed being on the field and valued a more personalized learning environment. Encouraged by her aunt, who was pursuing her doctorate at Marywood, Jenna made the transition. “I loved the campus and that it was close to home, but not too close, with my brother and my aunt nearby.”
During her time as a student-athlete, Jenna found strong support and mentorship within the athletics department. “The athletics department as a whole gave me a lot of opportunities,” she shared. Jenna returned to Marywood to complete the NCAA Pathway to Excellence Program, where she served as the assistant Sports Information Director. This internship experience helped Jenna get to where she is today.
Now in her current role, Jenna is proud of how far she’s come professionally. “The opportunity to take on more, challenging work,” she said when reflecting on her accomplishments. “I began as an assistant executive director helping in all areas of the conference. I now oversee all of our 41 (and counting) championships [and] work closely with our conference SAAC.”
Looking back, Jenna credits her experience as a student-athlete with shaping her personal growth. “Being a student-athlete helped me with time management and dedication,” she explained. Even when her final field hockey season was canceled due to COVID-19, she stayed committed. “I continued to practice like we were still competing… I made long lasting friends and built great relationships.”
While at Marywood, Jenna was actively involved in field hockey, SAAC, and the Marketing Club—experiences that helped define her college journey. She’s also excited to see how the university continues to evolve. “It is great to see the improvements being made on campus from the athletic facilities, to classrooms to social gatherings,” she said.
Her advice to current students is simple but powerful: “Be comfortable being uncomfortable; have FUN; build relationships.”