University of Pennsylvania junior Makenna Damhorst is recognized for her involvement both as a gymnast and as a Paideia Ambassador. Damhorst, who competes with the Penn Quakers Women’s Gymnastics team, has described the dual demands of athletics and academics at Penn as challenging but rewarding.
“Outside of the gym, I can expand my lens and pursue action beyond myself and get support and opportunities to collaborate in doing so,” Damhorst said. “It’s incredible. The people here are brilliant and so inspired. I’ve been lucky to have mentors like my coaches and professors who believe in me in times when I struggle to believe in myself. That has been life changing.”
This year, Damhorst is serving as a Paideia Ambassador. The program brings together individuals from various backgrounds to engage in interdisciplinary dialogue on major issues. As an ambassador, she works primarily on climate awareness initiatives that address how climate change impacts areas such as public health, food security, supply chains, and housing markets.
“I want to help equip people with a framework for exploring how these issues are interconnected,” she said. “Even if I don’t have the answers, I hope to connect people with someone who might. That’s why interdisciplinary discussions are important to me.”
Damhorst emphasizes the role athletes can play in raising awareness about climate issues: “I’m motivated by the beauty of what exists here on earth, and that’s worth fighting for. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the losses, but there’s so much opportunity to make things better,” she added.
She also identified three main priorities for her legacy at Penn: advancing climate action within Penn Athletics, encouraging greater student engagement at athletic events, and improving mental health resources.
“I value kindness, curiosity, integrity, and grit,” Damhorst said. “And I hope to embody those values in my endeavors at Penn.”
In addition to her roles on campus and in athletics, Damhorst participates in university events outside her primary commitments: “I love going to events at Penn to learn something new and get myself out of my comfort zone.” She noted that music is also important for her well-being.
The university continues its series highlighting student-athletes across different sports programs each month.
