From her earliest days, Jenn Soto, a professional skateboarder with Puerto Rican roots, has been in constant motion. Raised in Jersey City, Soto spent her childhood outdoors, playing with friends and exploring her environment. Initially, she devoted a decade to gymnastics but ultimately found it too structured. "Being in the gym with everything scheduled didn't suit my rebellious spirit," she explains. Observing a family friend skateboarding sparked her interest, offering the freedom she craved.
"When I saw him skate whenever he wanted, it was the opposite of my other sports experiences," Soto recalls. This newfound freedom inspired her to embrace skateboarding fully.
Early Memories and Passion
Jenn Soto received her first skateboard as a Christmas gift, setting her on a life path she continues to follow. Even as a child, she had a tendency to quickly lose interest in activities—except for skateboarding. "I wanted to keep at it no matter what," she says. Some of her cherished childhood memories include skating with friends to the park, tossing a football, and ending the day at the mall with their boards. "A perfect day was all about skating, spending time with friends, enjoying music, and having spontaneous adventures," Soto fondly remembers.
Breaking Ground in the Skateboarding World
Soto never envisioned herself as a prominent figure in skateboarding, yet today she's a proud member of the USA Skateboarding National Team and has competed in prestigious events like the X Games. She even clinched victory at the Street League Pro Open in London in 2018. Now, she skates professionally for Adidas, but even if she didn't, skateboarding would remain a core part of her life. "From the moment I got my board, I knew this was something I loved and would always have as an escape," she shares. Skateboarding is her passion, whether as a career or a personal refuge.
A Role Model for Latina Skaters
Living openly as a member of the LGBTQ community, Jenn Soto is also known for her "goofy-footed" stance, skating with her right foot forward. Her training sessions are set to the beats of artists like GloRilla, Cardi B, and Frank Ocean. Recently, she starred in a video for Adidas’ Nuestra Cultura Al Mundo campaign, showcasing her daily life from skating to cooking with family. Through her partnership with Adidas, Soto aims to inspire young Latina skaters to embrace their authentic selves. "The opportunity to share my personal life was unique," Soto says. "I'm glad it turned out amazing."
Empowering Future Generations
Jenn Soto is now planning an inclusive skate event in collaboration with Adidas. Set for December 6 in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, at SK8HOP, the event aims to empower and support young skaters. "When asked what I’d want to do, I realized giving back to my Puerto Rican roots was my dream," Soto states. The event will feature demos, cash prizes, apparel, and most importantly, a spirit of fun over competition. "There’s no best or worst trick. It’s about having fun, making memories, and fostering a welcoming community," Soto emphasizes.
Jenn Soto's journey from a curious child to a skateboarding icon underscores the power of pursuing one's passions and staying true to oneself. Through her achievements and outreach efforts, she continues to inspire and uplift emerging talent in the skateboarding world and beyond.
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