Wingspan: Why do you play basketball?
Jackson: “I play basketball because it teaches you something different everyday, everyday there’s a new lesson, a lesson that can help you later in life. Not only that but also for the rush of it I just love it I always have and always will. For friendships and relationships you gain on the court and off the court, the support, the sisterhood that comes with it.”
Wingspan: What is your biggest takeaway from high school basketball?
Jackson: “My biggest takeaway from high school basketball consists of 3 things, that consistent discipline and a relentless work ethic are essential to developing the resilience needed for overcoming adversity on and off the court, and that true success comes not from avoiding setbacks, but using my work ethic to push through every challenge faced which is something that basketball hands out daily.”
Wingspan: What are your goals for this season?
Jackson: “My goal for this season is to try to be a better leader. That’s one of my biggest goals. And throughout the season to just play with confidence, but really our team goal is to be able to face adversity, being able to work together and stick together no matter the outcome. Just have the mindset of the next one.”
Wingspan: What does your practice routine look like?
Jackson: “Well most days I have practice before 8, it can either start with film, weightroom, or start in the gym right away, we always start with warm-ups which consist of dynamics and jump roping takes about 10-15 min to do. Then the coaches always have a practice plan for us, so it can be like a defensive day, offensive day, or a shooting day but most of the time we do a mix of all. Also a little bit of conditioning to just keep our bodies warm and in shape to go up and down the court. Finally to end practice we usually end with recovery.”
Wingspan: When and why did you start playing basketball?
Jackson: “The first time I picked up a ball was five and up to the age of ten I used to just go outside and shoot some hoops with friends, by myself or with my dad. Because I did get cut from my 5th grade team in Illinois. So seventh grade was my first year of organized basketball up until now my senior year. I started playing because when I saw It on my tv for the first time I knew this was something I wanted to do, and when I heard the stories from my dad about when he played it just inspired me more to go out and play it and every since then my love for the game has just grown.”
Wingspan: How do you stay in a positive mindset after not playing a great game?
Jackson: “After not playing a great game I stay in a positive mindset from the support of my teammates, coaches and parents. They always try their best to lift me up.”
Wingspan: What has been your biggest challenge that you have had to overcome playing basketball, and what is one that you still face?
Jackson: “The biggest challenge that I have overcome playing basketball, would have to be not letting mistakes define what kind of player I am and not being able to listen and learn from constructive criticism. But now I am someone who wants to be coachable and learn from my mistakes. One that I still face is probably struggling with maintaining mental focus, decision making, and lack of confidence on the court.”
Wingspan: What impact has basketball had on your life?
Jackson: “Basketball has made a major impact on my life and taught me so many things, things that I can apply to everyday life, that things don’t come easy you have to work for it, taught me to better myself day in and day out on the court and off the court. Provided me with friendships that refresh the soul.”
