University of Pennsylvania junior gymnast Makenna Damhorst exemplifies what it means to fully embrace the Penn student-athlete experience—pursuing excellence in sport, school, and service—while remaining deeply committed to making a difference beyond oneself.
 
For Makenna, being a Penn student-athlete is about growth in the areas of life that matter most. Training at a high level in gymnastics while being held to an equally high academic standard has been both challenging and rewarding. Just as impactful is her motivation to expand her perspective, engaging with complex global issues and collaborating with others who are driven to create positive change.
 
"Outside of the gym, I can expand my lens and pursue action beyond myself and get support and opportunities to collaborate in doing so," Makenna said. "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."
 
This year, Makenna is serving as a Paideia Ambassador, a role that reflects her passion for interdisciplinary dialogue. The Paideia Program aims to bring together people from different academic and professional backgrounds to explore big ideas, and the ambassador program supports students in bringing those conversations to life across campus. Representing Penn Athletics in this space is an honor Makenna takes seriously.
 
Her work centers largely on climate awareness and action issues that she believes touches every field and every person. Climate change, she explains, affects everything from public health and food security to supply chains and housing markets. Beyond those practical implications, there is also a profound justice dimension, as communities least responsible for climate change often experience its harshest consequences. Makenna is especially motivated to engage fellow student-athletes, emphasizing that athletes often have far more influence than they realize.
 
"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 gravity of these challenges, she remains driven by the beauty of the planet and the belief that meaningful progress is possible. "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," Damhorst says.
 
When reflecting on the legacy Makenna hopes to leave at Penn, several priorities emerge.
 
"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."
 
Outside of academics, athletics, and leadership roles, Makenna enjoys immersing herself in campus life by attending events across Penn. She said, "I love going to events at Penn to learn something new and get myself out of my comfort zone."  Music also plays a big role in helping her recharge.
 
Through her commitment to excellence, interdisciplinary thinking, and service, Makenna Damhorst is leaving a lasting mark on Penn—one defined not only by achievement, but by purpose and impact.

READ OUR OTHER CSAS PROFILES!
January - Will Bergin C'25, Football
December - Carly Oniki C'26, Gymnastics
November - Leah Finkelman C'27, Women's Soccer
October - Hao Cui W'26, Men's Squash