Name: Jen Donathan (aka Just Jen)
Hometown: Strongsville, OH
Family members?: I have my mom, dad, and brother Jimmy. I’m also married to my husband, Ryan, and have two little fur babies, Carly and Piper.
Where do you live now?: Strongsville – I couldn’t escape, despite my best efforts (it’s pretty great though).
What is your occupation?: I own my own
Project Management and Quality Improvement consulting business, primarily
working in emergency medicine and academia!
What is one random fact about you or your job most people don’t know?: In another life, I went to school to be a dolphin trainer and study dolphin cognition. Animal behavior was wayyyy more interesting than people behavior at the time. Funny how things change, but I can still tell you a lot about dolphins.
Years/months playing polo?: Since December
2022, so about a year and a half or so.
Years w/CWPC?: See above.
Favorite CWPC memory: I think it’s a toss-up between Cinnamon Lake in 2023 and this year’s Lake Erie Classic.
Favorite post polo snack
& beverage: a Donut Scene donut and a lot of water!
Favorite position to play: Goalie!
What did you think of your first polo tourney?: My first tourney was last year in Indiana. I felt like a total newb but it was so fun, the rush was incredible! And I loved that my teammates were always willing to help coach me throughout. Everyone has been so nice and helpful. We also got to stop at Uranus! Best fudge in the state.
How many polo suits do you
own?: 3 polo suits, and a plethora of other race suits.
What is your favorite part
about water polo in general?: Definitely the community and always
getting an awesome workout!
Fun fact about yourself: I love
weightlifting and kettlebells and am also a theme park junkie. You can’t shut
me up about Cedar Point, Disney World, or Universal Studios. #obsessed
How did you get involved
with CWPC?: I got back into swimming and was like, this is great, but I need
something more...what about water polo? So, I Googled “Cleveland water polo
clubs” and the rest was history!
Why do you stick around?: This sport is
amazing, and the people are just wonderful. I’ve never felt so welcomed in a
sport.
Favorite quote (just in
general): “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” ~ Arthur Ashe
~
Describe your ideal
practice: Summertime, Foster Pool, perfect weather. Can’t beat it!
Favorite piece of water
polo advice anyone has ever given you?: Keep your hands
up, so you don’t get nailed in the face.
Anything you want to share with the
team?
Fasten your swim caps....Baby Donathan
will be joining us January 2025! Don’t tell Ryan, but I’m already plotting
their water polo and/or swimming career. Baby Baller loading...
