By hawkeyesports.com

IOWA CITY, Iowa – 2021 World Bronze medalist Jenna Burkert has been named assistant coach for the University of Iowa women’s wrestling program, it was announced Friday by head coach Clarissa Chun.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to welcome Jenna and her family to the program,” said Chun. “Jenna will bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and energy to our team. Jenna is all-in to everything she does. She’s committed, has great discipline and finds enjoyment through it all as she pursues and helps others pursue excellence in life.”

During her career, Burkert was a four-time World Team, nine-time Senior National Team and three-time Junior National Team member.  She was the runner-up at the 2021 Olympic Trials at 57 kilograms.

Her final competition as an athlete was the 2022 World Cup in Coralville.

Burkert has coached and taught a leadership course at Bixby (Oklahoma) High School since 2024.  She joined the program as associate head coach before being elevated to the top chair.  Bixby was the No. 2 ranked team in the nation and Burkert coached six individual state champions.

Burkert was also a non-commissioned officer and soldier-athlete in the United States Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) in Colorado from January 2015 to August 2024.  She achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant in 2022.

During her time in the Army, Burkert was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for leadership, service and performance.  She also earned the Army Commendation Medal for performance at the 2021 Wrestling World Championships.

Burkert assisted in coaching the WCAP’s women’s freestyle program, helping develop multiple Senior National Team athletes and a World Team member.  She also mentored junior soldiers in leadership, accountability and professional development.

The Rocky Point, New York, native received her bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in 2023 and she’s currently working toward her master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Oklahoma State.

She also took an Advanced Leadership Course from the U.S. Army Logistics University in 2022 and a Basic Leader Course from NCO Academy in 2019.  She also holds a Mental Performance Certification in Peak Performance.