LEMONT

Jeneva “Jena” Gatses, a lifelong resident of Lemont, has become NASCAR’s first female sports performance specialist.

Gatses works for Joe Gibbs Racing on the NASCAR circuit in Charlotte, N.C., as a doctor of physical therapy, sports performance specialist, strength and conditioning coach, nutritionist and massage therapist.

Her mother, Michelle, said Gatses attended Lemont Park District preschool and graduated from Lemont High School in 2004.

A graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in exercise science, Gatses is a licensed massage therapist, certified personal trainer, and certified strength and conditioning specialist.

In May 2015, she graduated with a doctorate in physical therapy from Lynchburg College in Virginia.

To watch a Charlotte television piece that mentions how she keeps the pit crew and team in fighting form, visit http://shawurl.com/2ff5.