Jillian Smith '17 Recruiting Profile

The first time I played basketball I was 8 years old, and I knew immediately I had fallen in love with the game. I have played other sports but my passion to play basketball has never vanished. When I was 10, my club coach made a statement that has pushed me to become the shooter I am today. He said, “You won’t be looked at by colleges if you do not have a perfect shot”. Ever since then I have been determined to develop and perfect my shot to make it as close to perfect as possible. Every day I shoot for hours not because I have too but because I really enjoy the game.

Playing basketball has taught me to be responsible in addition to being a self-starter. During school I take it upon myself to get help from my teachers when needed in order to ensure that I have a full understanding of what is expected. When it comes to basketball I am always the first person in the gym and the last person to leave. I take it upon myself to push myself to worker harder, rather than relying on coaches or parents to tell me to practice. Nobody but me is going to make me better, I am the only one with the passion that can give myself the motivation to improve. Being responsible and a self-starter has shaped me into the mature person that I am today.

Although sports has played a huge role in who I am today, I am still a student athlete. I understand, the importance of having an education that will aid me in my future endeavors. School has taught me, you get out what you put into your work, which also apply to sports. That’s why I plan to continue being an excellent student athlete throughout my college years.