It was always Jennifer Potter’s dream to come back to Ithaca College and coach the women’s track and field team. Six years ago, Potter ’92 fulfilled that dream. Today, she dreams of winning a national championship — a goal that is not out of reach.

Prior to returning in 2004, Potter was an assistant coach at Division I Central Michigan University, the head coach at Empire 8 foe Hartwick College and head coach at Ithaca’s rival, SUNY-Cortland. When she arrived at Ithaca College in 2004, Potter took over a team that was put together by former Head Coach Matt Belfield.

“Six seasons later, everyone in the program is recruited by me so they understand my philosophy,” Potter said. “It’s easier to mold them as a group and for them to grow as a group.”

During practices and meets, Potter is a ubiquitous presence. While closely following high jump events on one side of the track, Potter is able to cheer for her long jumpers and pole-vaulters competing 100 yards away.

Her enthusiasm and encouragement was instrumental in this year’s indoor season. The Bombers finished fourth at the ECAC championship and sent three athletes to nationals.

Having been in the athletes’ shoes before as an alumna, Potter brings much team spirit and dedication to the program, freshman hurdler Andrea Kwamya said.

“She understands the place that we’re in, in terms of Ithaca being one of the top D-III schools,” Kwamya said. “She was also one of the best 400 hurdlers, and that’s my event. So it’s sort of motivation for preparing to do well for her.”

Potter said much of the team’s success can be attributed to her senior leaders and assistant coaches.

“This senior group right now is fantastic,” she said. “They’ve really shown their presence, and they’ve been great assistants to me and the assistant coaches.”

Assistant Coach Mary Wallenbeck, who works primarily with the throwers and jumpers, experiences Potter’s desire to win firsthand.

“[Potter] is very driven, and she drives her athletes to be the best that each one can be individually,” Wallenbeck said. “The way that she wants [the athletes] to mentally prepare themselves and come out here and try to be the best they can be is a part of her philosophy.”

Potter was recently named Atlantic Region Coach of the Year for the third time in her career. The award is indicative of the success Potter has achieved in a male-dominated coaching field.

“I’m not intimidated by being a female coach in a predominantly male world,” Potter said. “People warned me: ‘If you’re going to be successful, you’ve got to do what you know and not worry about what other people think.’”

Potter bases her coaching style on a philosophy for individual success, which she has introduced to her athletes.

“We try to instill in them to rise to the occasion, meet the challenge and not only meet [the challenge] but beat it,” she said.

Multi-event senior Lauren Koppel said Potter has high aspirations for all of her athletes.

“She wants success from everyone,” Koppel said. “She genuinely cares about every single athlete on the team.”

Away from coaching the Blue and Gold, Potter enjoys spending time in her office with her athletes and assistant coaches.

The bonds built with her athletes go a long way toward beneficial relationships and strong team chemistry, two aspects that Potter said are essential to the college experience.

“I’m trying to make sure the student athlete has a great experience while they’re here academically, athletically and socially,” Potter said. “My office is very often jam-packed with people.”

As a leader on the team, Koppel spends time with Potter in her office.

“To this day, I use her as a huge resource. If I ever need something or have a question about something, she’s always there.”

Since Potter’s arrival, the bar has been set high. However, Potter and Wallenbeck said it will take a few more strong athletes in order to have a legitimate shot at a national championship.

“Does everyone dream of winning a national championship?” Potter said. “Sure we do. Do I work hard every day to make that happen? Most definitely. Allowing the athletes to grow as people, allowing them to develop as athletes and working with them to make sure they get the best education possible is my first priority.”