Brianna Glenn, an Elite Athlete Grantee Biography

BRIANNA GLENN

HOMETOWN: CHULA VISTA, CA
SCHOOL; UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA ('02)
EVENT: LONG JUMP, SPRINTS

Career Highlights: 2009 World Championships Finalist; 2009 U.S. National Championships runner-up; 2002 U.S National Champion; 2001 World Championship relay team; 2001 NCAA chahampion; 2001 Pac-10 Athlete of the Year

VISIT BRIANNA'S WEBSITE & BLOG @ briannaglenn.net & mysocalledfabulouslife.blogspot.com

CLICK HERE FOR BRIANNA'S DETAILED PERFORMANCE HISTORY.

In Brianna's words:

"Over the years, the USATF Foundation grant, as well as the other amazing services they provide through the Foundation, has been instrumental in furthering my career as a professional athlete. In our sport, a lot of times you will find that the talent is most definitely there, but the resources to develop that talent and do what needs to be done to be at your greatest, is hard to come by. That is why I have found this grant to be such a blessing, because it has done a great job at lessening that gap and allowing me to achieve what I am capable of. This grant has helped me tremendously in my quest to reach my potential in this sport. Over the past few years, I have battled back from injury and made my way to the finals at the World Championships this past summer.  Without the help and support of people who believe in me, that would not have been possible. I use this money to help me seek out the best professionals to keep my body healthy, as well as travel and compete in a way that best prepares me to make national teams and, lord willing, win medals! I am deeply appreciative to the people that help support this Foundation and in turn, help to support me achieve my dreams." 

My career as a track and field athlete began in high school. I had always been an athlete, and I always knew I was fast, but it wasn’t until I put my God-given talents up against others that I knew that this was the sport that chose me. Over the years I’ve had my doubts, and there have been many times that I’ve wished I could have been gifted at something that did not require so much pain and sacrifice to be great, but we do not choose our blessings and I know my talent is just that. 

I attended the University of Arizona with the hopes of being one of the better competitors on my team and the gratitude of receiving a free education. Little did I realize that there were bigger things in store for me. By the end of my junior year, I had won 2 Pac-10 titles in the 100 and 200 meters, and 2 NCAA titles in the 200 meters and Long Jump. My National titles in the long jump and a sprint event were a combination that had never been done before in history, a fact that I take great pride in knowing how many great sprinter/jumpers have come before me. It was after that season when I began to dream big and to see the potential that I possessed.   

The road between college and now has been rocky at times and nothing like I imagined when I graduated from college and decided to become a professional athlete. You never realize how much you want something until you have been tested and pushed to the brink of despair, and yet, you still find yourself trudging forward, more determined than ever. I didn’t plan for this journey, but I have learned to embrace it. This sport has molded me into the person I am today; a stronger, more determined, confident, independent, and humble woman, grateful for every opportunity I’ve been blessed with. I am a firm believer that I have taken the path that I have for a reason and that God is directing my steps.

I am looking forward to continuing to grow both as an athlete and a person, and want to remain in this sport as long as I feel I have a purpose to fulfill. I believe that my best years are still ahead of me and I am excited about what the future holds.

Thanks,

Brianna Glenn, Long Jump & Sprints

CLICK HERE FOR BRIANNA'S DETAILED PERFORMANCE HISTORY.