Eastern Michigan Athletics
Best and Roberts Name Jenna Zydanowicz as Assistant Coach
8/20/2025 2:30:00 PM | Men's XC, Women's XC, Men's Track & Field, Women's Track & Field
Former NCAA qualifier and eight-time Big East Conference Champion joins the program after graduating from UConn
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Jenna Zydanowicz has been hired as an assistant distance coach for the Eastern Michigan University cross country and track and field programs, directors Chris Best and Sterling Roberts, announced Wednesday, Aug. 20.
This season will mark Zydanowicz' 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.
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the Eastern Michigan University cross country and track and field programs," Zydanowicz said. "It's an honor to learn and work alongside the leadership and guidance of a great coaching staff. Eastern Michigan is a program defined by excellence, a championship legacy, and strong commitment to student-athlete development. I am excited to contribute to that tradition and help build upon the proud history of the program."
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 Health and Wellness Coordinator (2023-2025), and the Student Athlete Representative for Mental Health Working Group (2023-2025). Zydanowicz also has experience as the Student Youth Outreach and Education Assistant for UConn Husky Nutrition and Sport (2024-2025).
The West Hartford, Conn., native attended William Hall High School, where she also had an impressive cross country and track and field career. Zydanowicz received both cross country and track and field All-State honors multiple years, along with being named All-New England Cross Country (2018, 2019), and All-New England Track and Field (2016-2020).
The Zydanowicz File
Name: Jenna Zydanowicz
Hometown: West Hartford, Conn.
High School: William Hall High School
Education: University of Connecticut – Bachelor of Science (2024)
Education: University of Connecticut – Master's in Public Health (2025)
Experience
Year(s) – School – Position
2025-pres. – Eastern Michigan University – Assistant Coach
2020-2025 – University of Connecticut – Student Athlete
Up Next
The Eagles are set to start their season Friday, Aug. 29 at the Jeff Drenth Memorial hosted by Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant.
Follow Us
For updates on all things EMU cross country/track & field, continue to check EMUEagles.com or follow the team on Instagram, X, and Facebook at @EMUXC_TF.
This season will mark Zydanowicz' 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.
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the Eastern Michigan University cross country and track and field programs," Zydanowicz said. "It's an honor to learn and work alongside the leadership and guidance of a great coaching staff. Eastern Michigan is a program defined by excellence, a championship legacy, and strong commitment to student-athlete development. I am excited to contribute to that tradition and help build upon the proud history of the program."
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 Health and Wellness Coordinator (2023-2025), and the Student Athlete Representative for Mental Health Working Group (2023-2025). Zydanowicz also has experience as the Student Youth Outreach and Education Assistant for UConn Husky Nutrition and Sport (2024-2025).
The West Hartford, Conn., native attended William Hall High School, where she also had an impressive cross country and track and field career. Zydanowicz received both cross country and track and field All-State honors multiple years, along with being named All-New England Cross Country (2018, 2019), and All-New England Track and Field (2016-2020).
The Zydanowicz File
Name: Jenna Zydanowicz
Hometown: West Hartford, Conn.
High School: William Hall High School
Education: University of Connecticut – Bachelor of Science (2024)
Education: University of Connecticut – Master's in Public Health (2025)
Experience
Year(s) – School – Position
2025-pres. – Eastern Michigan University – Assistant Coach
2020-2025 – University of Connecticut – Student Athlete
Up Next
The Eagles are set to start their season Friday, Aug. 29 at the Jeff Drenth Memorial hosted by Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant.
Follow Us
For updates on all things EMU cross country/track & field, continue to check EMUEagles.com or follow the team on Instagram, X, and Facebook at @EMUXC_TF.
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