Jenna Hursh (Maple, Wis.) has signed a letter of intent to attend Dordt University and join the Defender cross country and track and field programs.  

Hursh has competed multiple seasons for the Northwestern High School cross country and track and field teams. Hursh finished 21st as an individual and led her team to an eighth place finish at the state cross country championship last fall. She qualified for the state track meet in the 800m in 2023 where she finished 13th overall.

"Jenna is an excellent runner and a perfect fit for Dordt University and our distance program," stated Dordt University Head Cross Country Coach Nate Wolf. "She has a unique range from 800m to 5,000m and will be able to impact the women's team in a variety of ways.  Beyond her running abilities, Jenna is a strong servant leader whose faith is important to her.  I am excited to be able to work with her for the next four years."

Hursh has personal best times of 2:22 in the 800m, 5:32 in the 1600m, 11:57 in the 3200m and 18:53 in the 5000m. She plans to study secondary education at Dordt and is the daughter of Vince and Shannon.

"I chose to attend Dordt because of its Christ-centered community and its outstanding cross country and track and field programs."

Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive Christian college rooted in the Reformed tradition. The Defender athletic program is a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC), American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) and the Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association (MACHA).    

U.S. News & World Report, Money Magazine, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review all list Dordt on their best colleges lists. Dordt is home to approximately 1,500 students.