Jenna Beck
is learning to teach

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Jenna Beck spends most of her time soaking up knowledge.
Whether it is in the classroom or on the basketball court, the Chestnut Hill College sophomore loves to learn. After all, in a few years, she plans to be the one leading the way.
"Right now I’m studying to become a teacher," said Beck. "But I also want to coach at a high-school level too."
The Little Flower High School graduate is working toward a degree in history with a minor in secondary education.
"I would love to teach high school history one day," she said. "I think it’s because I really liked my teachers at Little Flower and I want to help other students the way they helped me."
A solid education is not the only thing Beck acquired during her tenure at Little Flower. The honor student spent most of her four years on the basketball court with the Sentinels.
"Competition in the Catholic League was definitely high," said Beck. "It was a constant battle of playing the strongest teams. But I know now that it definitely helped me."
At Chestnut Hill College, the forward scored 5.5 points per game and grabbed 4.2 rebounds during her debut season with the Griffins, helping the team earn a spot in the semifinals. And although her time on the court was limited during her freshman season, Beck made the most of her opportunities, finally earning a starting spot this year.
"I think I matured a lot on the court," said Beck, now a sophomore. "I took on more of a leadership role this season, and I’m excited."
The Griffins were left with only one senior this year — forward Tara Walsh — giving the rest of the squad an opportunity to step up.
"Jenna is definitely one of the players the team will go to for help this year," said coach Jackie DeMarteliere. "They immediately look up to her, which is interesting because she’s a sophomore. But she has a positive outlook and her mentality affects the team.
"She has an open communication line with her teammates," she continued. "She has earned their respect with her attitude and her talent on the floor. She has a lot of responsibility on her shoulders, and she handles it very well."
After a year of preparation and practice, the Griffins were ready to jumpstart the new season, which got underway last weekend with the Dickinson College Tournament. The competition was played after the Times went to press.
"Over the summer we were constantly working on our game," said Beck. "We made sure we did everything possible to help the team as a whole."
Before stepping up as a collegiate athlete, Beck got her start on the basketball court in elementary school — after deciding to make a switch from the pitch.
"I always played soccer growing up," she said. "But my interests changed and I liked the challenge of trying something new. I really like the competitiveness of basketball. I like being challenged.
"Now, after playing at Little Flower and here, I love playing," she added. "I think that’s why I’m interested in coaching. After college, I can’t imagine not being involved with basketball anymore." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com