Jessica Rapelje is a Michigan native from the Haslett area. She played basketball for the Lady Britons throughout her time at Albion College until 2007 when she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and Health with Honors.

Jessica continued her passion of health and wellness at West Michigan University. As she worked towards her Master’s Degree, Jessica served as a graduate assistant in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department and taught an undergraduate wellness class. Jessica completed her Master’s in Education in 2009 and received the Student of the Year Award and Special Olympics Volunteer of the Year Award. She would later receive a similar honor in 2014 when her family was recognized as the 2014 Michigan Special Olympics Family Volunteers of the Year.

Jessica currently resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with her Fiancé, Dexter, where she is still highly involved with athletics. She is the current assistant coach for Kalamazoo College’s Women’s Basketball Team and serves as a program associate at the Battle Creek Community Foundation. Rapelje also continues to support the Special Olympics and is a coordinator for the Unified Special Olympic Programs for Kalamazoo Area 16.