A Southern California native, Jenny Belak, took her first steps on a softball field in fourth grade. Little did she know the sport would eventually propel her to one of the top collegiate programs in the country and set the stage for a successful career in business.
Belak had played travel ball and was recruited by several schools before stepping onto the University of Maryland’s campus. However, when the Maryland assistant coach approached her during a tournament in Colorado and later received a phone call from them, her dad encouraged her to pursue the school because of its prestigious academic programs and athletic successes.
“I played travel softball because I really liked playing,” Belak said. “I was fortunately on a team where our head coach encouraged and helped the girls on the team to be recruited and play in college. I was recruited by a handful of schools, but when Maryland called, my dad was the one to say they were a good school and I should call them back.”
After Belak’s official visit to Maryland’s campus in October 2004, she was struck by the beautiful campus and the warm presence of the softball team.
“I just remember it looked like a classic college, brick buildings, grassy fields, big pillars and obviously the athletic department was top of the line then, so I can only imagine what it is now,” Belak said. “We went to watch a practice and meet the team, and the girls really went out of their way to welcome me. They took me to a concert in Baltimore that I really wanted to go to, and I fell in love with how friendly and welcoming they were.”
Belak was offered an athletic scholarship to Maryland, representing a profound commitment to her development as a student-athlete
“I remember my parents being so proud when they offered the scholarship,” Belak said. “Of the schools I was talking to, Maryland made the best overall offer that I couldn’t say no to. I was so lucky with all the work I had put into my softball career at an early age, so to have that full circle moment to play at a big Division I school on scholarship was awesome.”
Belak started in every game during her softball career at Maryland from 2005-08 under head coaches Gina LaMandre and Laura Watten. Playing in the outfield, she earned NFCA All-Region Mid-Atlantic First Team and All-ACC honors as a senior. She also made her mark in the Maryland record books.
She ranks second in program history with 219 hits. Her hit total includes 12 triples, also ranking second all-time. She also ranks fourth in stolen bases (60) and seventh in runs scored (120). A testament to her consistency, Belak even ranks first in the record books in at-bats (755), tied for eighth in starts (223).
Belak fondly remembers her time at Maryland, where she formed close bonds with the team and people outside the softball world. Her experiences at the university were rich and varied. It included trips to Ocean City during the summer and weekends exploring New York and Washington, D.C.
“Being around athletes from other sports and knowing we’re all going through the same things, like workouts, study hall, traveling and whatever else, was comforting to have that shared experience,” Belak explained. “Although we had very different careers and passions, we still related to one another, and I felt very fortunate to have gone through that experience together.”
Belak was named to the All-ACC Academic Team in 2006 and 2008, recognizing her as a dedicated student-athlete. The All-ACC Team consists of student-athletes who excel academically and athletically. It requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for the previous semester and a 3.0 cumulative average, in addition to competing in at least 50% of their team’s games.
Maryland’s proximity to D.C. offers students a wealth of opportunities. From internships to the rich culture and knowledge the city provides, students are just a metro ride away from countless possibilities.
Belak sought to utilize this to her advantage.
“Going in, I was trying to apply for the business school, and that route didn’t work out for me,” Belak said. “I ended up double-majoring in Government & Politics and American studies. Being so close to D.C. inspired me to go that route.”
After her sophomore year, Belak decided to stay at Maryland during the summer and winter semesters, allowing her to experience the university in a new way. With fewer students on campus and less time dedicated to practices and workouts, she seized the opportunity to focus on her professional growth. Until then, softball had been her full-time commitment, but Belak credits her time spent in D.C. as the beginning of her career after college.
“I wanted to get an internship on Capitol Hill in the summer,” Belak said. “I ended up completely going a different route and got an internship at XM Radio. I applied to the MLB’s top radio station, and it was a great experience.”
As a former athlete, Belak learned how to be adaptable and persevere. Upon graduation in 2008, Belak faced the harsh reality of a challenging job market after a financial crisis. Instead of being discouraged, she channeled her experiences at Maryland into new opportunities.
Jenny’s career trajectory took her from a position at XM Radio to the enterprise software company Scality, where she currently serves as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing Operations. Her journey from softball to the tech world exemplifies the flexibility and adaptability that an athletic scholarship helped foster.
“Even though I didn’t get into the business school, I’m very much doing business now,” Belak said with pride.
Looking back on the impact of her scholarship, Belak is more grateful than ever for the donors who granted her the opportunity to grow at Maryland. The scholarship wasn’t just a financial contribution. It was an investment in Belak’s future and dreams.
“I truly appreciate the donors who made it possible,” Belak said. “Their generosity allowed me to experience something that changed my life. I think about how important my scholarship was and how lucky I was. Not everyone gets the same opportunity, and that’s something I carry with me every day.”
As Belak continues to thrive professionally, she has also found joy in her personal life, living in Pasadena with her husband and dog. She has stayed connected with her University of Maryland community and plans a future trip to D.C.
“I miss the campus and all of the amazing experiences I had at Maryland,” Belak said. “It was such a special time in my life. I’m grateful for everything it gave me.”
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