Olympic Dreams

Former UIW Athlete works behind the scenes at 2004 Olympics

By Debra Del Toro

As she maneuvered the ski slopes at the ripe age of two, Jenny Carnes could not have imagined the places she would go or the people she would meet, all in the name of athletics. But it was her love of sports that created her path in life and would lead her across the globe to participate in one of the greatest sporting events on Earth.

When she stepped off the plane in Athens in early August, Carnes, executive director of the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee for the 2005 NCAA Div. I Women's Volleyball Championship and a UIW alumna, was overwhelmed. An athlete herself, she jumped at the opportunity to volunteer for the XXVIII Olympiad. So how does one stumble onto the opportunity of a lifetime? It was a case of being in the right place at the right time. She found out the Olympic Committee was looking for volunteers through a coworker. She applied, and the rest is history.

Her duties consisted primarily of working in the press room and assisting with media services. She monitored games and reported results. Not to mention getting the opportunity to associate with media and athletic personalities alike. From her work with women's soccer star Mia Hamm to the women’s basketball and gymnastic teams to national journalists, Carnes was in the middle of the action.

“The press center was the hub of information,” said Carnes. “Every U.S. newspaper and TV organization was there. People you see everyday on TV were going in and out of the room all the time.”

Of course, the former UIW basketball and tennis star did take some time during her hectic schedule to enjoy the experience. At the last minute she was able to purchase a ticket to the opening ceremonies for 100 euros, roughly $122, and take part in Olympic history.

Carnes knows a thing or two about making history herself. From 1998-1999, she earned more significant honors than any athlete in Incarnate Word history. And she still holds the female record for the most honors.

You might say this Uvalde native was born to be a part of the sports world. Her father, a former Rice University football player, instilled the value of sportsmanship in the Carnes family from a young age. Her fascination with sports began when she started snow skiing at the age of two. By age six she was playing in her first tennis tournament. At UIW she excelled in both tennis and basketball, instilling pride in the entire Carnes family.

However, her favorite Olympic memory was sitting next to two-time Olympic softball medalist Lisa Fernandez’s parents and husband at the gold medal softball game.

“To look over and see her parents so filled with pride,” said Carnes, “is something I will never forget.”

Not only did Carnes excel on the playing court, but also in the classroom. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of business administration in sports management. Balancing academics and athletics is something she says is easier than most people think. It is a philosophy she spreads to other young people through her work with the Sports Foundation.

“As an athlete, you have more checks and balances,” said Carnes. “When you have to schedule your time, you have to learn time management.”

Carnes knows the difference sports can make in the life of a child. She admits her life would have taken a very different path if not for athletics. She has become an advocate, setting an example of success and spreading the importance of sports and fitness to the youth of San Antonio through the many events she is involved with at the Foundation. One event she is particularly proud of is the Go Kids Challenge, which encourages children to walk one-quarter mile a day for 10 weeks with a final lap inside the Alamodome ending in a huge celebration.

Over the four years of her career with the Sports Foundation, Carnes has been an integral part of the team that has brought high-profile sporting events like the NCAA Final Four to the Alamo City. She actually began her involvement with the Foundation as an intern, something she recommends for any student wishing to pursue a career in the sports industry.

“Get out and find a good internship,” she said. “Get a quality experience. Make the most of your classes, have fun and learn as much as you can. Use the resources available to you.”

It is evident by the wide smile on her face that Carnes is satisfied with the path her life has taken since those early days on the slopes. She describes the sports industry as perfectly suited to her personality and it is easy to see she is right. After all, most people can only dream of being involved in the greatest athletic events in the world.