Jenna Donohue ’20 has built an impressive athletic and academic career, from Loomis Chaffee to Dartmouth College and now at Quinnipiac University.

At Loomis, Jenna excelled as a two-sport varsity athlete, playing ice hockey and lacrosse. After graduating from Loomis, she continued her journey at Dartmouth College, where she played both ice hockey and lacrosse and graduated in 2024. Now she is pursuing her master’s of business administration at Quinnipiac while competing in her fifth year of NCAA eligibility as a member of the ice hockey team.

Jenna’s time at Loomis was formative, both academically and athletically. Guided by head ice hockey coach Liz Leyden, she developed her skills on the ice and pursued rigorous coursework.

“Loomis gave me the tools to manage my time effectively and adapt to new challenges,” Jenna said in a recent interview. “Practicing and playing regularly while staying on top of academics helped me transition to college life.”

At Dartmouth, Jenna successfully managed the demands of being a dual-sport collegiate athlete. She pointed to the support of her coaches and teammates as key to navigating the fast pace of Division I athletics. One of her most memorable experiences came during Dartmouth’s “Dad’s Weekend,” a celebration of family and team camaraderie. On a weekend where the Big Green plays a home game, all of the players' Dad's wear their daughter's jerseys, and celebrate with a dinner afterwards. This tradition reinforced the strong support system that helped her thrive during her undergraduate years. 

The disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic granted Jenna an extra year of eligibility, and she decided to extend her hockey career while pursuing her MBA at Quinnipiac. She chose Quinnipiac for its strong hockey program and proximity to her family in New York.

“Quinnipiac has provided a great balance between academics and athletics,” she said. “It’s been exciting to join a new team while continuing to play the sport I love. Being closer to home has also been a bonus.”

One of Jenna’s standout moments this season was a return to Dartmouth, where she scored an overtime goal in a game against her former team. The experience, while bittersweet, highlighted her growth as an athlete and her ability to rise to new challenges.

Reflecting on her journey, Jenna emphasized the importance of preparation and using available resources. For current Loomis athletes aspiring to play in college, she recommended focusing on skill development, managing time effectively, and seeking guidance from coaches and mentors.

As Jenna continues her academic and athletic pursuits, she remains a role model for students at Loomis and beyond, demonstrating how discipline and determination can lead to meaningful opportunities.