Faces + Places
N E S N A H Y JENN 1992-1995 Jenny Hansen-Hecht is not only one of the most decorated athletes to ever wear the Blue and White at Kentucky, but she’s also one of the greatest gymnasts in the history of collegiate gymnastics... period. While at UK from 1992-1995, Hansen is the only person to ever win three consecutive NCAA All-Around Championships. She also won 2 NCAA titles in the balance beam, 2 NCAA titles in the vault, and also won an NCAA title in floor exercise. In all, Hansen won 8 NCAA championships and 9 SEC titles. In 2006, the Wisconsin native was named the Most Outstanding NCAA Gymnast over the past 25 years. She is a 13-time All-American, and is one of only two female athletes to ever have a banner retired at UK in their honor. Her post-UK career has been just as rewarding. She’s worked at Sea World, Disney World, Orlando Magic games, and in Hollywood as a stunt woman. She currently lives with her husband, Michael, in Golden, Colorado, where she works with the ATS Team as a rigger and professional obstacle course tester for some of TV’s most popular obstacle courses like American Ninja Warrior, Ultimate Beast Master and Amazing Race. “Being a UK Wildcat gymnast has been one of the most influential periods in my life,” Hansen said. “Coach Leah Little and Assistant coach Time Myers, along with teammates, allowed me to struggle and succeed. The University of Kentucky and the state of Kentucky welcomed me with open arms and always made me feel at home.” Hansen continued, “This home feel and appreciation of what I accomplished while I was competing at UK is displayed all over town–from the Nutter Field House where I trained, Memorial Coliseum where I competed, to the Children’s Hospital Hall of Champions wall as well as two ‘Jenny Hansen Days’ [May and February]. I am honored by the love I received while being an athlete and overwhelmed by the banners placed everywhere to celebrate my accomplishments. To be recognized as one of the Top 10 Kentucky Legends, makes me speechless and puts me on Cloud 9 to be still acknowledged in the beautiful state of Kentucky!”
The Legend:
Only person ever to win 3 straight NCAA AllAround Championships Won a total of 8 National titles Won a total of 9 SEC titles 13-time All-American
94
March 2018 | TopsInLex.com
Named the NCAA’s Most Outstanding Gymnast over the past 25 years One of only 2 female athletes to have a banner retired in their honor at UK Named an SEC legend Participated in 2002 Olympic closing ceremonies