Bridge II Sports has become a FULL HOUSE in such a short span of time. We welcomed the Public Allies back in the fall and now we have yet another addition to the team!
Jessica Long came on board as the programs intern from Mary Baldwin University. She will be with us for 16 weeks this winter and spring. Jessica is in her 3rd year at the university and is specializing at the Murphy Deming College of Health and Sciences working to acquire her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. Jessica is committed to the process of Occupational Therapy in which people are rehabilitated over the span of their lives through the therapeutic process of everyday activity. Jessica will be completing components of her Doctoral Capstone project. During her internship she will address two of the eight content areas of the Capstone focused on Leadership and Program Development.
When asked why she wanted to intern at BIIS Jessica responded “I chose Bridge II Sports because it provides a multitude of opportunities to reach out in the community and provide programming to empower individuals with physical disabilities. Coming from a background in sports and coaching, I found it a great fit to extend my education in program development.”
One of Jessica’s big goals during her internship is to cultivate a program focused on the visually impaired population targeting strength, posture, and balance by incorporating yoga into current programs like Goalball and Cycling. Jessica hopes the yoga integration will be sustainable and can be added to other programs in the future. She will also gain further experience in program development by having a hands-on involvement with the execution of the archery and air rifle program.
Jessica is looking forward to the next 4 months here at Bridge II Sports. “I hope to gain insight hearing various athletes’ stories. I find this program exquisite in a sense of how individuals can gain independence no matter what cards have been dealt to them. I also would love to see how the social aspect of this nonprofit organization helps build athletes’ confidence.”
A few fun facts about Jessica:
- She obtained her undergraduate degree from Averett University with a major in Biology and minors in Psychology and Physical Education.
- She played collegiate softball at Averett – Go Cougars!
- When she was 14 she had spinal fusion surgery to correct scoliosis. That experience gave her a first-hand experience with adapting to everyday life and sparked her interest in occupational therapy.
- She thoroughly enjoys physical activity during her free time such as slow-pitch softball, running, kayaking, and other various fitness classes/sports.
- …and she can spin a basketball on her finger for over 5 minutes!
Welcome Jessica!! We cannot wait to see the work you put in at BIIS leave a lasting impression on us and the athletes we serve.
