The student-athlete spotlight is a monthly Q&A feature from the Penn State Altoona Athletics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. Q&A conducted by McKenzie Quirin.

Jess Burns

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

High School: South Fayette

Major: Nursing

Year: Sophomore (graduating in Spring 2026)

Sport(s): Women's Basketball

In what ways do you identify yourself?

I am a 20-year-old white female who is caring, disciplined, and works extremely hard to achieve my personal, academic, and athletic goals.

What made you want to attend Penn State Altoona?

I wanted to attend Penn State Altoona because I believed in the basketball program that Coach Halee was building, and they have a great Nursing program. The campus is a perfect size, and it is close enough for my mom to attend all our home games.

What are some of your favorite positive memories from your time as a Penn State Altoona student-athlete so far?

One of my favorite positive memories was when we beat Pitt-Bradford in our home playoff game this year. Getting to celebrate with my team and my peers in the crowd after accomplishing one of our goals felt especially rewarding. As a student, some of my favorite memories include all the new experiences I get to have with my friends in my Nursing classes and going on the school spring break service trip to Puerto Rico.

What are some of your goals, both athletically and academically, this semester/season?

My goals athletically for my upcoming junior season include winning the AMCC Championship and continuing to be a reliable guard on both offense and defense. Academically, I want to make Dean's List and sharpen my Nursing skills in our clinical rotations.

Have you ever had any instances in your sport where you felt that someone was being insensitive, or in which you felt personally attacked? If so, how did you handle that?

I have never felt personally attacked while playing my sport. I have found that, with trash talk from players on opposing teams, it is best for me to just focus on my game and tune them out.

In what ways have you felt supported by teammates, coaches, and/or the Athletics department?

I have felt very supported by my teammates, as they are so positive and always have my back. Coach Halee and Coach Mark consistently support my goals on and off the court, push me to get better every day, and care about me as a person, not just an athlete. I have enjoyed getting to know the members of the athletic department and appreciate their ongoing support. I feel grateful to be surrounded by everyone involved in athletics; they have made my college experience very special.

Outside of Athletics, how are you supported by the rest of the Penn State Altoona campus community?

I have felt very supported by the rest of the campus community. My friends attend many of my games and are there for me off the court, as well. They help me de-stress when we go to sporting events or on walks, and a few of us even get to run in the Pittsburgh Marathon relay together this summer. My professors help me reach my potential in the classroom, but they also support my goals outside of the classroom. One of my Nursing professors, Dr. Peterman, has even attended a few of our home games. My success would not be possible without the amazing support system I have off the court.

Who are some of your biggest role models or influences, both on and off the field?

Some of my biggest role models include my mom and my grandma. I would be nowhere near where I am today without them. Coach Halee is another one of my role models, because she is an excellent leader, and she has had my back throughout the ups and downs I have faced during my first two years as a student-athlete. Dr. Peterman has also influenced me by giving me confidence to succeed in Nursing and on the court.

Do you have any advice or encouraging words for fellow student-athletes at Penn State Altoona?

I would encourage fellow student-athletes to stay in the moment and give it everything you have, because you only have these experiences once. Find a balance between being disciplined and having fun. I would also tell them that a bad game does not define who you are as an athlete or a person.

Rapid Fire

1. Who is your favorite professional and collegiate sports team? Collegiate- Notre Dame Women's Basketball; Professional- Pittsburgh Steelers
2. Who is your favorite professional athlete? Sue Bird
3. What is your favorite movie/TV show? The Amazing Race
4. Do you listen to any music before games as a pregame ritual? If so, what is it? I listen to a 5-minute meditation followed by "Lord, I Need You" by Matt Maher
5. Do you have a favorite pregame meal? If so, what is it? Turkey and cheese sandwich with a granola bar
6. What is one quote that is your favorite that you tend to live by? "If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. It's the hard that makes it great." – Tom Hanks