University of Pennsylvania junior gymnast Makenna Damhorst is recognized for her commitment to both athletics and academics, as well as her engagement in campus service. Damhorst is currently serving as a Paideia Ambassador, a position that encourages interdisciplinary dialogue among students from various academic and professional backgrounds.
Speaking about her experience at Penn, Damhorst said, “Outside of the gym, I can expand my lens and pursue action beyond myself and get support and opportunities to collaborate in doing so. 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.”
Her focus as a Paideia Ambassador is on climate awareness and action, which she believes affects multiple areas such as public health, food security, supply chains, and housing markets. She emphasizes the justice aspect of climate change, noting that communities least responsible often face the greatest consequences. Damhorst seeks to involve fellow student-athletes in these efforts.
“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.”
Despite the challenges associated with climate change, Damhorst remains optimistic about progress: “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 said.
When considering her legacy at Penn, Damhorst outlined several goals: “I value kindness, curiosity, integrity, and grit,” she said. “and I hope to embody those values in my endeavors at Penn. There are three things that come to mind when I reflect on what I want my legacy to be at Penn. The first is climate action and organizing the incredible drive and influence that exists here at Penn and within Penn Athletics to elicit positive change. The second is getting more students engaged with athletic events, and the third is improving mental health.”
In addition to her academic and athletic commitments, Damhorst participates actively in campus life by attending events across Penn and finds music helpful for relaxation.
Other recent profiles from CSAS feature Will Bergin (Football), Carly Oniki (Gymnastics), Leah Finkelman (Women’s Soccer), and Hao Cui (Men’s Squash).
