About Me
I’ve been a freelance sportswriter and editor for various magazines and publications since 2005. I’m passionate about sharing amazing stories with readers—especially stories of faith in Christ. I’ve been blessed to meet inspiring people from all walks of life, whether a young college athlete with big dreams, an NFL MVP, or a young-at-heart athlete competing against all odds. Listening to someone share their heart by phone, standing in the fog on a beach, feeling the sun beating down on my back on a humid sideline, or listening to the crack of the bat at spring training… my journey as a writer has been fascinating. My next goal is to ghostwrite an athlete’s autobiography.
Where It All Began
My writing journey first began on the football sidelines of Texas Tech University in 2004, chronicling Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense (Get your guns up, Red Raiders!). Just a year later, I found myself in San Diego working as a Graduate Intern for the Chargers, interviewing the likes of Drew Brees, Shawn Merriman, and LaDainian Tomlinson.
Publications
My articles have appeared in the following publications: Sports Spectrum Magazine, Carlsbad Magazine, Women’s Adventure Magazine, FCA’s Sharing the Victory, Chargers GameDay Magazine, EFCA Magazine, Church Executive Magazine, OverTime Magazine, Ms. Fitness, Encinitas Magazine, Positive Impact Magazine, Living Light News; I’ve written for the following Web sites: TexasTech.com, Chargers.com, Raiderpower.com (Scout.com), BioniCare Medical Technologies, RyanNece.com, and PolynesianCommunity.org.
Memberships
AWSM (Association of Women in Sports Media)
My Dad Is Awesome
I’m the daughter of NFL offensive lineman Greg Sampson (Houston Oilers, ’72-’79). He’s a great example of a Godly man of strength, character and honor. He was the 6th pick overall in the 1972 NFL Draft and blocked for some guy named Earl.
Have you written any books to this point? Would like to talk about the possibility of you ghost writing for athletes. Please contact.
Diane - February 10, 2011 at 11:05 pm |
Hey Jenna, I’m enjoying your blog. I met you when you came to basketball practices with your mom.
Sue - August 25, 2011 at 6:24 pm |
Hi Sue, thank you! And…I hope basketball is going well! I miss all the ladies!
jennawrites - August 26, 2011 at 5:48 am |
Jenna! I can’t believe I found you on here. I worked out all your kinks at Oceans! It looks like you are doing great! Would love to hear from you.
-Katherine Lewis
Katherine Lewis - December 28, 2011 at 4:52 am |
Jenna, it was a pleasure talking with you on the plane ride to vegas. I remember your dad playing for the oilers. I played OT at rutgers univ in nj in 69 before an illness ended my playing football. I was the guy in the aisle seat. I wish you much success in your career. Good luck in your career and God speed. If you are ever in the Phila area please do not hesitate to contact us.
Bob - June 25, 2012 at 6:27 am |
Hi Bob, good to hear from you! I’m glad I had the chance to sit with two sports junkies, especially one from the same era of college ball as my dad. I appreciate the well wishes and will definitely send you guys an email if I come to Philly for a story.
jennawrites - June 25, 2012 at 3:51 pm |
Hello Jenna! I’m a fellow North Coaster and I saw you at Barnes n Noble; I just couldn’t place how I knew you and indeed it was summer night volleyball in Carlsbad!
Chelsea Barclay - October 8, 2012 at 12:36 am |
Hi Chelsea, Good memory! Yes, summer volleyball was a lot of fun…I’d never played before, and really enjoyed meeting everyone. Hope you’re doing well and have a good week!
jennawrites - October 8, 2012 at 5:34 am |
I knew your dad in junior high school and right now I’m sitting with 2 guys he went to high school with. Steve Bozaan and Mark Elgin. We were all wondering what ever happened to him. Please let us know. Thanks
Leah Lucero Ballew - December 11, 2012 at 3:44 am |
Hi! He’s just enjoying working at our family business down here near San Diego and being a cool grandpa. There should be more info on his football career online somewhere…maybe wikipedia. He wants to know if Mark can still ball it up on the court! Thanks and take care.
jennawrites - December 11, 2012 at 11:00 pm |
Very impressive Jenna.
If Greg would like Mark’s contact information, let me know in a private email. thanks so much.
Leah Lucero Ballew - December 12, 2012 at 5:47 pm |