On January 8, Kenna Jacobsen, a senior at Powell High School (PHS) signed her letter of intent for Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) to run Cross-Country as a Bruin Bear for her collegiate career. 

After starting her athletic career playing volleyball and basketball, Kenna switched to Cross-Country and fell in love with the sport. 

“I think that starting out with volleyball and basketball really prepared me with the competitive spirit that has helped me push in my running career later on,” Kenna Jacobsen said. “Also, my coaches and teammates from every sport that I’ve done really helped me find joy in sports.”

Kenna participated in track her eighth grade year and found success, but she still wasn’t sold on distance running. It wasn’t until her sophomore year when she made the switch from volleyball to Cross-Country when she sparked her love for longer races. 

“Kenna played volleyball as a freshmen and then made the switch to cross country after a successful outdoor track season,” Assistant Cross-Country Coach and English teacher Mrs. Tracy McArthur said. “We were thrilled to have her join the cross country program and she immediately made an impact for our team.”

Kenna found her place right away with the team, as she became a key runner in a record-breaking relay team. She took part in the record 4×800 meter relay team in 2023 with a time of 9:42.30.

“She helped our team to a 3rd place finish and then a team state championship her junior year,” Coach McArthur said. “She also helped the outdoor team win team state championships her freshman and sophomore years.”

At first, Kenna was unsure if she wanted to run in college. After taking part in a Cross-Country camp at Brigham Young University and being selected for the SLCC team, Isaac Wood, the coach of that team, reached out to her and encouraged her to attend the school.

“To prepare for this decision I did a lot of research on the school and the program,” Kenna Jacobsen said. “I ultimately decided after a lot of guidance from my parents, coaches, and from God that this is the right place for me.”

The women’s team at SLCC have won both Cross-Country and half-marathon titles for the past two years. They are one of the best community college programs in the country. 

“Kenna is driven to succeed at a high level of competition,” Coach McArthur said. “This was evident even when I coached her in 8th grade girls basketball.”

Although Kenna is unsure what she will be participating in when she gets to SLCC, she has opportunities to be a part in indoor and outdoor track, half-marathon, and Cross-Country events.

“It makes me so proud to see Kenna succeed and get to run in college,” sophomore Ashlee Jacobsen said. “She is my biggest inspiration, she works so hard and always encourages me to work hard.”

Jacobsen is looking to leave a final impression on the Powell Cross-Country teams. She has plans to break a few more records before her time here is up.

“It’s definitely relieving knowing that I have a plant for my future that I feel will be best for me,” Kenna Jacobsen said. “And running is something that makes you feel good every time you do it.”