Jenny Fuente is more than just the wife of former Virginia Tech and Memphis football coach Justin Fuente.
She’s a devoted mother, a former athlete, and a supportive partner who has embraced every step of their family’s journey.
From small-town Illinois to the vibrant college towns of Memphis and Blacksburg, Jenny has built a life filled with love, family, and community.
Jenny Fuente, born Jenny Kabbes, grew up in Normal, Illinois, a small town about two hours south of Chicago.
She was an athlete from a young age, excelling in volleyball at Illinois State University.
There, she not only played but also coached as an assistant while earning her master’s degree.
Her passion for sports and her competitive spirit shaped her early years. It was at Illinois State where her life took a pivotal turn.
A mutual friend and fellow coach, Galen Scott, introduced her to Justin Fuente, a young football coach with big dreams.
The two hit it off, and in 2005, they got married.
Jenny and Justin are parents to three daughters: Cecilia, Caroline, and Charlotte. Their girls are the heart of their family.
Cecilia, the oldest, loves crafts, basketball, and keeping up with her dad’s football team.
Caroline enjoys coloring and playing with her sisters, while Charlotte, the youngest, is full of energy and loves anything related to Frozen or Sofia.
Raising three girls while moving across the country for Justin’s coaching career hasn’t always been easy, but Jenny has embraced the challenge.
She left her coaching career behind after their second daughter was born to focus on raising their family.
A Life in Football
When Justin took the head coaching job at the University of Memphis in 2011, Jenny and their young family packed up and moved to Tennessee.
Memphis was a new adventure, and Jenny quickly became a beloved figure in the community.
She cheered on the Tigers, supported her husband’s efforts to rebuild the program, and raised their daughters in the lively atmosphere of Liberty Bowl Stadium.
By 2015, Justin had led Memphis to an American Athletic Conference championship and a 10-win season, and Jenny was by his side through it all.
In 2016, the Fuentes moved to Blacksburg, Virginia, when Justin became the head coach at Virginia Tech. The transition was exciting but daunting.
Jenny and Justin broke the news to their daughters using Virginia Tech’s iconic “Enter Sandman” entrance video, which got the girls thrilled about their new home.
In Blacksburg, Jenny embraced the Hokie spirit, attending games and blending into the tight-knit community.
She even laughed about learning to love the maroon and orange color scheme, which she initially found tricky to pair.
Jenny has been Justin’s biggest supporter through the ups and downs of his coaching career. From Memphis’s turnaround to Virginia Tech’s bowl games, she’s been a constant presence.
When Justin was named the 2016 ACC Coach of the Year, Jenny was there to celebrate the milestone.
Even during tough times, like when Justin parted ways with Virginia Tech in 2021, Jenny remained his rock.
She’s also been involved in their communities, joining Justin to donate $10,000 to the Carilion Clinic Foundation COVID-19 Support Fund in 2020, showing their commitment to giving back.
While Jenny prefers to keep a low profile, her influence is undeniable.
She’s described as warm and approachable, connecting easily with other coaches’ families and fans.
Her background as an athlete gives her a unique perspective on the demands of Justin’s job, and she’s known for creating a welcoming environment for the families of players and staff.
Whether it’s cheering at games or helping her daughters adjust to new cities, Jenny brings heart to everything she does.
Today, Jenny and Justin continue to focus on their family.
While Justin’s coaching journey has taken them across the country, Jenny remains the anchor, keeping their family grounded.
Their daughters are growing up, and Jenny is there for every milestone, from Cecilia’s basketball games to Charlotte’s potty-training adventures.
Wherever life takes the Fuentes next, one thing is clear: Jenny’s strength, love, and support will continue to shine.
Jenny Fuente may not seek the spotlight, but her role in her family and communities has left a lasting impact.
She’s proof that behind every great coach is a partner who’s just as inspiring. Justin Fuente’s wife, Jenny
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Justin Fuente was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
- Tom Allen hired Fuente as an offensive analyst at Indiana in October 2023 following the firing of Walt Bell as offensive coordinator.
- Fuente attended Union High School in Tulsa and played football as a quarterback.
