DIII Week Feature: Get To Know Wellesley Lacrosse Senior Jenny Gubner

As a four-year starter, senior Jenny Gubner has been a strong presence on the lacrosse field for the Blue. In her first three seasons for the Blue, Gubner recorded 35 goals and 17 assists, tallying an impressive 52 points. In addition to her successes on the field, Jenny has also excelled in the classroom. A two-time New England Women's and Men's Conference (NEWMAC) Academic All-Conference member and a member of the 2017 Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Association (IWLCA) Zag Sports Division III Academic Honor Roll, Jenny truly represents what it means to be a student-athlete.

An applied physics major and astronomy minor from Pleasanton, California, Gubner takes advantage of every opportunity Wellesley has to offer; conducting research with professors, studying abroad and participating in Division III athletics. She recently took the time to speak with wellesleyblue.com to discuss all of her experiences and what it is like being a Division III student-athlete. 

WellesleyBlue.com (WB): What made you decide to attend Wellesley College?   

Jenny Gubner (JG): I chose Wellesley because of the opportunity to play lacrosse in college and because of all of the academic opportunities that Wellesley seemed to offer. These opportunities included cross registering at other schools in the area (like MIT), small class sizes, and a strong alumni network. Wellesley also has a beautiful campus and is in a great location.

WB: Did you always plan on playing lacrosse in college?

JG: I didn't plan on playing lacrosse in college. I went to one recruiting tournament with my club team because a lot of my really good friends were participating. I was contacted by coaches. After talking to the Wellesley coach (Julia McPhee) and visiting the school I realized it would be possible, and a lot of fun, to play lacrosse in college.

WB: What drew you to study applied physics and astronomy?

JG: Initially, I wanted to be an astrophysics major because I love physics and space. I thought that astrophysics would be the perfect combination of those fields of study. I quickly realized that I really enjoyed the more hands-on, engineering side of physics. As a result, I decided to become an applied physics major with an astronomy minor, so that I could incorporate a more applied/hands on approach to physics as well as continue to learn about the universe through the astronomy minor. My favorite part about my major is that I get to take a lot of engineering and applied physics courses and see how the information I learn in my physics classes pertain to the physical world. I get to learn how to use the physics knowledge in a constructive way. 

WB: Where did you study abroad and how were you able to prepare there for the upcoming lacrosse season?

JG: Through the PRESHCO program, I went abroad in Córdoba, Spain. I had a great experience. All of my classes were conducted in Spanish and I got to live with a Spanish host family. I had the opportunity to take classes outside of my field of study so that I could learn more about the country I was living in. I prepared for lacrosse season by joining a gym a block away from my house. Another program participant and I tried to go every morning before our classes. There were also some other athletes from Wellesley who were studying abroad with me, so we kind of motivated each other to stay in shape.

WB: This past fall you had an internship at SpaceX, how did Wellesley prepare you for that internship?

JG: Wellesley prepared me a lot for my internship at SpaceX. I think one of the biggest things I have learned at Wellesley, through both academics and athletics, is perseverance. Perseverance helped me get the internship to begin with and then helped me succeed at my job while I was there. Wellesley has also boosted my self-confidence and improved my communication and leadership skills.

WB: How have you managed to balance your schoolwork in a very challenging major with your commitment to lacrosse?

JG: The balance between schoolwork and lacrosse has definitely been a challenge, especially as a first year and sophomore. Once I determined how much time I was going to have for each commitment, I was better able to figure out how to manage everything. Usually I am either doing schoolwork or research, playing lacrosse, eating, or sleeping and I don't usually have much time for anything else. Time management and prioritization has been a huge necessity. But, since I love what I do academically and athletically I would usually consider what I do as a fun opportunity rather than a commitment.

WB: What is your favorite Wellesley Lacrosse memory?

JG: This is a tough one... I really enjoyed making it to the top of the Manitou Incline in Colorado with my whole team. I also really loved playing manhunt in the science center during spring break last year. Beating Wheaton last year in the NEWMAC quarterfinals was pretty great too! 

WB: What is the best part about being a student-athlete at Wellesley?

JG: The best part about being a student-athlete at Wellesley is the support that comes with being on a team. Wellesley can be very tough and so it is really nice to have a big family of teammates that I can turn to for support.