The Athletics Project - Our Story

As we slowly returned to competition in 2022 the Nova Scotia Indoor Open that year saw a reserved group of competitors come to the Canada Games Center to compete. With everybody still cautious around COVID-19 the competitors eased into their events with no expectations. To everybody’s surprise several athletes brough a new energy setting new records in the high jump. Jennessa Wolf was one of those athletes. Jannessa’s carefree attitude but explosive execution in the high jump solicited the attention of everybody in the facility. The performance catapulted her to number one in the country for her age group, where she would remain for the remainder of 2022. Jennessa went on to make both the Nova Scotia Legion and Canada Games teams in 2022. Jennessa captured gold at the Legion Championships in high jump and finished respectable fourth at the Canada Games. Jennessa a true inspiration around the track and our next installment of THE ATHLETICS PROJECT.

ANS: Hi Jennessa, wow you sure have had a great year. With all the hype around high jump what other activities or perhaps hobbies help keep you grounded.

Jennessa: I don't tend to have any hobbies outside of sports. I love being active. I participate in SSNS soccer, badminton, and track & field with the CEC Cougars. I also participate in club soccer during the summer months, and track & field year-round with the Truro Lions. Most people don't know that I love to dance. I dance several hours each week in the disciplines of hip hop, jazz, modern, and lyrical.

ANS: Jennessa, we can you share the highlights of 2022 with us.

Jennessa: . One of the highlights of being involved in athletics happened in the August 2022 when I was selected to represent Team NS at both Legion Nationals, and Canada Games. It was thrilling to win a national gold medal at Legions while also jumping my personal best. I am also very proud to have been selected as a recipient of an Andre De Grasse Future Champions Scholarship.

ANS: What is the best piece of advice you have gained from coaches you have had in the past?

Jennessa: One of the best pieces of advice I have been given is to engage in goal setting and mindfulness. High jump always ends in failure. It is hard to process that as an athlete at times. I choose to focus on being present in the moment and learn from each experience.

ANS: Jennessa I wonder if you could rank the top five priorities you currently feel are in your life.

Jennessa: The top five priorities in my life right now are: family/friends, living a healthy and active lifestyle, school, sports, and my dog, Mowgli.

ANS: Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?

Jennessa: I look up to all of my coaches: Tammy Armstrong, Dave Galloway, Shawn Wolfe, Iain LaPointe, and Sherry Alexander. They have all been excellent role models for me. Three of my coaches still compete in the master’s category in athletics which I find so inspiring. I have the utmost respect for all of them.

ANS: Jennessa What do you see yourself accomplishing in five to ten years from now?

Jennessa: It is tough to look that far ahead. I definitely want to keep competing at a high level and see how far track & field can take me. I want to continue to give back to T&F and help out in any way possible. I also plan to get a degree in Kinesiology and pursue a teaching career like my parents.

ANS: Is there one quote or motto you follow or sums up the way you think?

Jennessa: One quote that sums up how I think is: "Life is short. Time is fast. No replay. No rewind. Enjoy every moment as it comes.

Jennessa thank you so much for taking us all along for the ride in 2022. It was certainly awesome to see you maintain your form throughout the year and be a true role model for the younger kids. Congratulations on being selected for the Andre De Grasse Future Champions Scholarship Program we wish you all the luck. We look forward to seeing you at the track continuing to enjoy the sport you love.