Athlete of the Week: Jacque Anderson

by Kymee Noll – Horizon Sports Editor

In order to be an exceptional athlete it doesn’t just take talent, it also takes character, and freshman basketball player Jacque Anderson (Newton, Kan.) is the epitome of just that.  Coach Dan Harrison says that Anderson has been a wonderful surprise this season.

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Jacque Anderson dribbling the ball up the court versus Hutchinson Community College. Photo by Masayo Satoh.

“She has shown the ability to hit 3-point shots at clutch times and is fearless going after loose balls and rebounds despite her stature,” said Harrison.  “She is a great teammate by being willing to do whatever she can to help others.”

Anderson has been out with an ankle injury but has been recovering nicely.  Harrison says the team has missed her toughness. Freshman teammate and roommate, Dominique Needham (Salt Lake City, Utah), agrees.

“It really sucks that she has been hurt so much,” said Needham.  “It’s honestly hard not having her on the court with us.  She’s an amazing support on the bench and she’s had such a great attitude about this (her injury) and I know she is ready to get back on the court and play her game.”

Appreciation of Anderson doesn’t stop on the basketball court.  Harrison has had professors tell him how much they enjoy her participation in their classes.

“She represents the women’s basketball program and our college well,” said Harrison.

Not only is Anderson relied upon when on the court but off the court as well.  Being 14 hours away from home, Needham has no family nearby, and coming somewhere she wasn’t familiar with wasn’t easy.

“I wasn’t looking forward to it at first, but I don’t think anyone could have made this a better experience for me than Jacque,” said Needham.  “She’s been there to listen to my cries and complaints and has always been there to support and help me with anything.”

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Jacque Anderson driving into the lane versus Kansas Wesleyan University JV. Photo by Masayo Satoh.

Harrison credits Anderson’s ability to be such a great friend to being a sister to 19 siblings.

“I can honestly say I don’t know if I would be here if it wasn’t for her,” said Needham.  “Jacque is one of the most independent, caring, supportive, and loving people I know.”

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