Profile Interview with Jadda Jefferies

At 7-years old, Jadda Rachelle Jefferies’ parents put a basketball in her hands. Jefferies grew to love the game, shining in every jersey she ever wore. She won numerous awards, scored thousands of points and snatched hundreds of rebounds throughout  her basketball career.

Jefferies considered basketball her first love. She had talent, the sport was natural to her and it quickly became a main part of her life.

            Jefferies started playing recreational ball for a local Burlington, N.C. youth center during her elementary school days in her hometown. After training with a middle school coach for two summers, by the time Jefferies entered 6^th grade she, was ready for a starting point-guard position. Her career at Broadview Middle was successful, earning her several athletic awards for her abilities on the court. Along with playing basketball for the school, she also played for the city’s girl AAU traveling basketball team, Burlington Stars, where she set records and had her jersey retired and framed.

            Jefferies went on to attend Burlington’s Cummings High School, where she earned the starting point-guard position as a freshman. She led the team to more than 70 wins averaging 22 points throughout her four years as a Lady Cavalier.  She impressed college coaches with her career high 46 points, 10 rebounds and 9 steals. She received scholarship offers from Francis Marion, Barton College, Greensboro College and Catawba College.

Jefferies began her college career at Barton College in Wilson, N.C. When she became dissatisfied with the college's basketball program, she accepted a scholarship to play at the University of the District of Columbia. Jefferies recently discussed future goals, aspirations, and motivation revolving around being a student athlete.

Donika Whitsett: How did basketball become an important part of your life?

Jefferies: Sports were instilled in my family, my mom was very athletic growing up and enrolled me in recreational leagues at the age of seven, after playing one season, and I knew I couldn’t live without playing.

Donika Whitsett: What is the most influential lesson you’ve learned by playing basketball?

Jefferies: I’ve learned the importance of teamwork, communication and passion. It takes a lot to win and those three components are essential to get the win.

Donika Whitsett: What do you wish to gain from transferring from Barton to UDC? How did it come into play and what are you expecting?

Jefferies: I just wasn’t happy at Barton, I feel like I wasn’t getting the playing time and exposure I wanted and needed. All I want to do is to be on the floor and I wasn’t getting that opportunity at Barton. I talked to the coach at Barton about not being happy and talked with some coaches from back home and they set up the transfer to UDC. I’m expecting to play more minutes, get more wins, meet new people and of course enjoy the bigger city and explore more opportunities.

Donika Whitsett: What is your major and does that tie into basketball? Where do you see yourself after college?

Jefferies: My major is business management, I'm not sure what I want out of that major, but I plan to play overseas after college.