The second Jen Long, Class of 2009, stepped onto the Penn State campus; she knew she was home. It was exactly what she was looking for, as she knew a big school would give her endless opportunities and the chance to become fully emersed in the college experience. After meeting Penn State head field hockey coach Char Morett-Curtis, Jen knew she too would soon become a Nittany Lion. "It just kind of clicked," shares Long.
Jen took advantage of every opportunity as a student-athlete, even joining the business fraternity her older brother was a member of. Morett-Curtis encourages her student-athletes to become involved in extra-curricular activities outside of field hockey and Long took the advice to heart.
Long was unsure of exactly where to focus her studies and interests. She decided on Health Policy and Administration, which gave her the chance to blend a passion for healthcare with an interest in business. This career path helped to prepare her for a successful career as a nurse today at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia.
Following her graduation from Penn State in 2009, Jen was named assistant field hockey coach at Harvard University in 2010. Knowing she always wanted to return to school, she later earned a second degree, a Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing from Drexel University.
She has carried her field hockey attributes and competitive spirit with her throughout her life and has worked hard to be able to perform at a high level both in field hockey and in healthcare. "I strongly believe in athletics and how it prepares a person for all different kind of life events.," Long said.
Similar to arriving early or staying later after practice, Jen picked up extra shifts to gain experience as a new nurse. Growing up, she would often play pick-up field hockey games whenever she had the chance, because live play is where she was able to learn about her own strengths and weaknesses within the game.
Jen transferred this mindset to her career in healthcare, as the more she performed a skill, the more comfortable and equipped she became. "Similar to field hockey, you get more fluid with the motions the more you do it."
Jen is constantly caring for many patients with many different needs, similar to the quick decisions that are made on the field. As someone who is used to playing a team sport, Jen works closely with her colleagues, as they all rely on each other to care for patients in need. "You need to depend on people and trust people, to make sure you get through your shift and they get through their shift and the patients are all safe."
As the mother of two small children, Jen's life is a balancing act, similar to the balance between academics and athletics she experienced while at Penn State. "You figure out what works for you and you just find a way."
Long will always cherish her time at Penn State. "The people you meet and the relationships you build, that is the most memorable part," she shares. Jen has many memories and career highlights from the field hockey field, from competing in championships to playing in inter-squad matches. "That time in your life is just the most memorable"
These are the moments she and her teammates still reminisce about when they get together, now with families and children of their own. "It's so much fun to watch and see how those friends have grown."
Long is still close with her fellow Nittany Lions and visits campus at least once a year, whether it's to coach at a field hockey camp over the summer; visit during alumni weekend; or attend the blue and white game in the spring. "It's fun to see how the program has evolved and see the younger kids now. You know the experience you had, and you hope they have the same."
