She went from being one of the shortest on the basketball court to one of the tallest.
Now she’s going from being a Warner Robins Demonette to an East Tennessee State University Lady Buccaneer.
That transition – following her senior year that is – was made official for Shynia Jackson during a scholarship signing Thursday at Warner Robins High School.
“They told me it’s bigger than just the college,” she said of her visit – several other schools recruited her as well. “And women’s basketball is one of the main things there (the team finished 16-14 this past year), so I wanted to go somewhere that felt like home.”
Home, she explained, meant it reminded her of Warner Robins High School, a place in particular to the basketball team, where she has started for four years – this past averaging 12 points and seven rebounds per game.
As far as being short, she said that was the case when she first began playing basketball at age 5 for the recreation department and continued, Head Coach Tracy Fendley said, until around about her sophomore year.
“She just grew up,” Fendley said, meaning like overnight. It turned out to be pretty good timing, Fendley added, considering the team had two sophomores try out and both were guards. So, Jackson made the transition to post. It was, Fendley said, a bit of a struggle at first … “She had to embrace it. She did and became one of the best players in the region and state.”
Fendley said she could spend all day citing the awards she had earned to prove it, but chose instead to offer up more accolades.
“She has a hard-work ethic,” Fendley said. “She’s dedicated and always has a positive attitude. I think that’s what allowed her (to receive a) full ride (scholarship).”
Further, she added, “She battles. As a coach who has a post player who can handle the ball, make great passes, shoot the ‘3’, can rebound, can post up, it’s just amazing. We’re really blessed and gifted to have her on our team.”
Other descriptives included: “Smart,” “Loyal,” “caring,” “a servant (something members of the Partners Club would attest to, Fendley said),” a “take-charge person,” and “level-headed,” not to mention being able to sing (for example, singing the national anthem at the Special Olympics, Fendley said).
“You come in contact with ‘Mo’, you love her,” she said. “She’s just an awesome person to coach and be around and I look forward to watching what she does at East Tennessee.”
Assistant Coach Rebecca White added to the large student body on hand: “This one of the most humble people to sign one (a scholarship) you’ll meet. She’s God-fearing, a leader, she’ll do anything you ask her to do.
“You can get onto her and get onto her, and she’ll respond. I think ETSU is getting one of the best athletes in Georgia.”
