Former Husky Football player Justin Glenn (’13) brings a lifelong passion for the UW to his new position connecting letterwinners with their alma mater. Most recently Director of Player Development under Coach DeBoer, Justin brings his unique perspective as a former student-athlete and lifelong Husky to the role.
What first drew you to Washington?
I was in middle school in Mukilteo when I started going to games with a friend and his family. We’d stop by Dick’s on 45th for burgers and then tailgate at Husky Stadium. I loved everything about the game day atmosphere and dreamed of becoming a Husky. I wanted to go to a world-class university like Washington but wouldn’t have been able to do so financially without my scholarship from UW. It opened the door to opportunity for me.
After nearly a decade with Husky Football in recruiting and player development, why did you take on the job of Director of the Big W Club and Engagement Programs?
My roles with Husky Football fueled my passion for helping student-athletes not just on but off the field. During my time playing and then working at UW I saw firsthand how important community was to the Husky experience. I want alumni from all 22 sports to be a part of this community forever.
You’ll also be working with Boundless Futures. What lies ahead for that program?
Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opened up all of these amazing opportunities for student-athletes, but with that comes new complexities and the need for support. Boundless Futures educates and mentors current student-athletes so they can thoughtfully approach NIL as they prepare for life after college. I’ll be looking for even more strategic ways to engage alumni with Boundless Futures, too.
What did you learn from playing Football that you hope your 13-year-old son, Julian, and newborn daughter, Aniyah, will learn from their athletic experiences?
Life can throw a lot of adversity at you. Concentrate on controlling what you can, not worrying about what you can’t. You can control your attitude, your effort, the decisions you make, and those things will help you navigate life.
Tell us something about yourself that people might not expect.
I love to cook for Julian and my wife, Johanna (Carr, ’13), who ran track at Washington. We met in the dining hall of Conibear Shellhouse. My mom taught me how to make a few of her best dishes when I was in college. I cook, Johanna cleans. Football season is perfect for my signature white chicken chili.
