The Rise of Nancy
Student to Watch
Nancy Nguyen is a rising star in the world of judo and a Junior Electrical Engineering student at San Jose State University (SJSU) where she also trains full-time with the SJSU Judo team. Nancy has had a phenomenal year in 2024. Let’s take a peek at the rise of Nancy!
In April 2024, Nancy captured her first Junior European Cup title at the Podgorica Junior European Cup in Montenegro. Competing in the -70 kg weight class, she showcased her skill and determination, defeating a field of strong competitors to win the gold medal. This victory was a significant milestone in her judo career and a testament to her hard work and perseverance.
Before her European triumph, Nancy also made waves on the national stage by securing a bronze medal at the 2023 USA Judo Senior Nationals. Her steady improvement and ability to perform under pressure are clear indicators of her potential as she went on to get a repeat Bronze at the 2024 USA Judo Nationals.
Nancy's judo journey is deeply intertwined with her family's legacy. Her mother, a former member of the Vietnamese National Judo team, moved to California and founded the San Jose Judo Academy in 2010. This academy became Nancy's training ground, where she honed her skills from a young age under her mother's expert guidance. The rigorous training and strong support from her family have been crucial in shaping Nancy into the accomplished judoka she is today.
At SJSU, Nancy has been a key member of the highly successful judo program. At the 2024 National Collegiate Judo Association Championships, she clinched gold in the -70 kg category, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success. The SJSU Women’s Judo Team, known for its dominance, won the championship for the sixth consecutive time, thanks in part to Nancy’s stellar performance.
Balancing her athletic career with her academic pursuits, Nancy is also excelling in her Electrical Engineering studies at SJSU. Known for its challenging coursework, Electrical Engineering demands a high level of dedication and intellectual engagement. Nancy's ability to juggle her academic and athletic commitments speaks volumes about her discipline and also prepares her for a promising career beyond judo.
Looking ahead, Nancy accomplishments in 2024 are paving the way for even greater achievements in the future. With the 2028 Summer Olympics set to be hosted in Los Angeles, Nancy has a unique opportunity to qualify for the Games and compete on home soil if she can maintain her current trajectory. Given her strong support system from family, coaches, and teammates, Nancy is well-positioned to represent the United States in judo at the highest level.
The journey to the Olympics is undoubtedly challenging, requiring rigorous training, international competition experience, and mental fortitude. However, Nancy’s successes in 2024 indicate that she has the potential to meet these challenges head-on. Her victory at the Junior European Cup and her steady climb in national rankings are promising signs of her readiness to compete against the world’s best judokas.
As she continues her studies at SJSU, Nancy remains focused on her long-term goal of competing in LA28. With her talent, determination, and the unwavering support of her community, Nancy is poised to carry on the SJSU Judo tradition of academic and athletic excellence.
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