Jenna Zydanowicz

Biography

Jenna Zydanowicz was hired as an assistant distance coach for the Eastern Michigan University cross country and track and field programs beginning in the 2025-26 season. Zydanowicz begins her coaching debut after graduating from the cross country and track and field programs at the University of Connecticut earlier this year. A five-year member of the Huskies’ programs (2020-2025), she earned her Bachelor of Science in allied health sciences and her Master’s of Public Health, along with a multitude of athletic achievements. During her collegiate career, she was a three-time captain for both cross country and track and field seasons. She holds school records in the 1000 meter, 3000m, and distance medley relay, along with holding second-place program times in the mile, 1500m, and 5000m. Zydanowicz was an NCAA Individual Qualifier in 2024, and an NCAA First Round Qualifier in 2025. In her time at UConn, she was a part of eight team conference championships, along with earning an Individual Big East Conference Championship in the 5000m in 2025 and collecting ten all-conference selections. She also received Cross Country Northeast All-Region Honors (2023, 2024), and the Big East Sports Excellence Award (2024-2025). Outside of her athletic accomplishments, Zydanowicz also received recognition for academic and leadership excellence. She was the Big East Representative at the NCAA Leadership Forum, an Academic All-American selection five times, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee