Ever since her freshman year, Ella Jennes, a Penn State field hockey player, has been inspired by her mom, a Penn State graduate, to be involved with THON.

Now, in her senior year, THON means even more to Jennes. Her mom, Evelyn, passed away from cancer in March of 2023. Her mom continues to motivate her, and dancing in THON was something her mom really wanted her to do.

“I knew that I really wanted to do it. She kind of interested me in freshman year. So I always thought it was very magical when she asked,” she said. “I knew that I had to do it.”

That encouragement from her mom has kept her driven toward her goal of dancing in THON. Ella has also had a lot of support throughout her journey to THON Weekend. Her teammates and coaches have been with her every step of the way. They have always been with her throughout the weekend and have even created a spreadsheet to track who is with her at what time.

“They bring me whatever I need,” she said. “They’re amazing to me.”

Penn State field hockey made some coaching changes ahead of the 2026-27 season with the hire of Hannah Prince. She then added other coaches, like Mark Wadsley, as associate head coach. Despite the coaching changes, Ella has felt the support from the new staff.

“I have new coaches. Actually, they’ve been phenomenal,” she said. “They’ve been texting me. They’re coming later today and are trying to get here all day. So everyone’s been amazing.”

Ella prepared for THON Weekend the same way she prepares for field hockey games, using mental visualization to get ready for games and applying the same method for her 46-hour stand.

“I think, for games, I kind of mentally prepare myself. So I tried to mentally prepare myself for what I feel and what I’m going through,” she said. “Then kind of thinking, okay, how can I react to this, and how can I be okay with that?”

Being able to prepare for such an event has helped her greatly, along with what motivates her to stand at THON Weekend. Her mom’s legacy continues to help her stand strong, along with fighting For The Kids.

When asked what motivated her, her answer was simple.

“I mean, just obviously standing in memory of my mother, but also standing for all the kids out there fighting against cancer and just being part of something very happy.”

Ella also expressed her love for the Line Dance and how happy she gets when she hears “Dancer Relation Captain to the stage!”

Many dancers have different reasons for dancing that are special to them. Ella thinks about her mom’s memory, the kids, and the Line Dance, and keeps going.