Consistency. Being consistent mentally spiritually academically physically and as a friend has helped freshman diver Jenna Tenwolde become the bubbly genuine and focused girl she is today. And all of this was found through the consistency of being a diver at Pepperdine University.
Born and raised in Laguna Niguel Calif. Tenwolde loved being active in everything from surfing to snowboarding traveling and even shopping. Her mom encouraged her to try a broad spectrum of sports and in fourth grade Tenwolde knew what she wanted to do.
“On my first day at the pool I went off the tower and my coach knew that he needed me for the dive team Tenwolde said.
For 10 years, Tenwolde competed in the Crown Valley Divers Club. At Dana Hills high school, she was the only diver on the team— the swim team, that is. She practiced with the club team to compete for Dana Hills High School and Tenwolde helped the swim team reach a new level — all points are needed.”
“When I go home I still practice with my old club team Tenwolde said. My coach Curt Wilson is like my second dad and he is always there for me.”
With this club team Tenwolde traveled all over the United States for Regionals Zone Nationals and other tournaments. She says her favorite state she visited was Indiana simply because it was home to her mom’s high school.
“It was my first National meet which was a big thing for me and I was excited to dive where my mom was from Tenwolde said.
In the eighth grade, Tenwolde had to choose between soccer and diving.
I am glad I picked diving she said. Not only do I love the sport but it helped me get into college.”
Pepperdine has been Tenwolde’s top college choice since the seventh grade.
When looking at colleges Tenwolde says she was surprised diving wasn’t more prominent at Pepperdine.
“I loved the morals that the school holds up front and the religious aspect Tenwolde said. I also knew that the business school there was very credited. Diving was just a side aspect.”
Nevertheless in November of her senior year Tenwolde was recruited to come to Pepperdine. Tenwolde recalls that she was nervous about upholding the expectations that accompany such an honor.
“I wanted to do good for Pepperdine and I wanted to live up to the expectations of the coach Tenwolde said.
Despite her initial qualms, however, Tenwolde says her involvement on the team enhanced the social aspect of her college career.
Diving has helped me branch out and meet so many people Tenwolde said. I have made friends with people on the swim team other athletes and Tri Delta.”
With only five girls on the Pepperdine dive team the Waves remain undefeated this season. Tenwolde enjoys diving here because it is more relaxed than it was on her club team.
“No one is going to do better than us because we are our own competition Tenwolde said. It is fun because we are competing but get to root each other on.”
When asked about her plans for the future Tenwolde said diving isn’t included.
Also due to last year’s budget cuts Pepperdine will not have a dive team after the 2009-1010 season. Though the loss was tough Tenwolde sees the cut as a blessing in disguise.
“When I am competing aggressively I am always way too hard on myself and if I try to keep going in diving I will not appreciate it anymore Tenwolde said.
Like her mother, this business major wants to have future in sales.
I love talking to everyone Tenwolde said. I guess you can say I am a people person and the business major fits with sales the best right now.”
Tenwolde doesn’t want to be defined by diving but it is has helped her understand who she is today.
Spiritually Tenwolde has grown immensely in her religious relationship through her sport. The team at Pepperdine emphasizes faith in each other and a glass-half-full mentality.
“My club team back at home was very negative and I had to be the positive person Tenwolde said.
Academically, managing time is very important for any athlete. Fortunately, Tenwolde is able to balance excellent grades with diving.
Practicing five days a week, including morning weight lifting and the requirement to be in the pool no matter what the temperature, are all very physically demanding. Staying fit and healthy both mentally and physically are key in this sport.
A lot of Tenwolde’s time is taken up by her diving commitment, but she has made sure that her friends are still a priority.
My friendships are very important to me “Tenwolde said. “In the long run they are the ones that matter the most.”
Jenna Tenwolde — a student a daughter a teammate a Tri Delta a friend a freshman a shopper an optimist and a diver. Rather than being defined by one singular idea Tenwolde has used all opportunities in her life to go places the average person can only imagine.
