#311: Jennifer Potter-Ithaca College

🎧 From Track Dork to Coaching Icon: The Jennifer Potter Story

“I’m still a track dork.” – Jennifer Potter

🏃‍♀️ After 30+ years in the sport, Ithaca College’s legendary head coach Jennifer Potter still leads with passion, humility, and a relentless drive to evolve. In this inspiring episode of the Gill Connections Podcast, we go deep on her journey from competitive childhood runs around the farmhouse to becoming a national champion coach and powerful mentor.

🔥 In this episode, you'll discover:

🐾 How a childhood love for running turned into a lifelong calling

🧠 What makes Division III coaching so special—and why she's stayed

💪 The surprising story behind turning down Ithaca (her alma mater!) twice before finally saying yes

🧢 The origin story of the "Bombers" nickname (and why there’s no mascot)

📈 How her competitive edge and curiosity keep her innovating after three decades

🤝 Why she believes mentorship and vulnerability are coaching superpowers

🎯 “I want to challenge them to do something they never thought they could do.”

👟 Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or fan of the sport, this episode is a masterclass in passion, longevity, and purpose

🌟 Explore Our Library: Dive into 300+ episodes featuring insights from coaching legends such as Boo Schexnayder and Dan Pfaff, Diljeet Taylor (BYU) and Beth Alford-Sullivan, as well as superstar coaches Petros Kyprianou (Illinois), Althea Thomas (Vanderbilt) and many more! Find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more for your listening pleasure.

🎙️ Create Your Own Podcast Episode: Reach out to Mike Cunningham for instruction on how to create your very own Gill1918 Project episode, which airs every Tuesday through Sunday. Find YOUR voice on the Gill Connections Podcast Network.

📲 Stay Connected: Want to get in touch with our host, Mike Cunningham? Follow on Twitter (@MikeCunningham), email at mcunningham@gillathletics.com, or text to 217-898-3038. We love hearing from you! 🎧👍