Full Court Press with Nia Jackson: Returning to the Floor

Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

I had so much fun playing in our first exhibition game last Tuesday. This was my first time back since February of 2008, and I still can’t believe how far I have come. I had so many mixed emotions Tuesday night, but the main one was happiness.

I was finally able to play with my awesome teammates after sitting out all last season and wanting to contribute in some way. Our team played great together during Tuesday’s win. We had some mistakes, but everyone worked so hard hustling after every play.

Jasmin Holliday did great with 10 rebounds, and really showed off her athleticism. Amanda Johnson had so many steals! I remember sitting on the bench during the game and being amazed while I looked at coach Kai’s stat sheet. Next to AJ’s name it had nine steals, and that was in the first half alone!

I also love playing with Micaela Cocks. She works so hard and makes everyone around her do the same. Her presence and leadership on the court is felt by everyone, and I have really appreciated it during my recovery process. Before the game I went up to Mic and told her how nervous I was. She told me to just think of this game as a practice, and imagine the other team as our practice players. Those words really helped me calm down.

Our entire team had such a great time at the game and loved playing this style of fastbreak offense. Most of us noticed that practices are much harder than games. We have come so far since spring training, and I know we will continue to grow.

Everyone is investing so much of themselves into the team, and it really showed on Tuesday. The fans were also involved, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this season unfolds. I believe we are going to shock a lot of people this year, and I can’t wait. I love playing with this group ladies ¬- they are awesome people on and off the court.
We play Sunday at 2pm vs. Western Oregon. Hope to see everyone there.

TICKETS
Tickets are still available and can be purchased by clicking HERE, calling 1-800-WEB-FOOT or in person at the Casanova Center ticket office. Tickets can also be purchased at the McArthur Court ticket window 90 minutes prior to game time. The doors to Mac Court open 60 minutes prior to tip.

PROMOTIONS
Oregon fans that checked out the men’s exhibition opener vs. Concordia last Sunday, can also witness first-year head coach Paul Westhead and his run-and-gun offense by bringing their Concordia ticket stub for free general admission to the Ducks final exhibition game vs. Western Oregon at 2 p.m., Sunday.

MEDIA
Sunday’s game can also be heard on the new home of Oregon women’s basketball, THE SCORE 95.3 FM in the Eugene/Springfield area, or online on the O-Zone with veteran play-by-play announcer Terry Jonz making the call. The O-Zone will also offer a live video broadcast of the game. Live stats will also be available on www.GoDucks.com.

GO DUCKS LIVE
Don’t forget to tune into Go Ducks Live with Jerry Allen on GoDucksTV from 8-10 a.m., Monday-Friday. The all-access morning show is also simulcast on KSCR 1320 AM.

Coach Westhead is slated to appear on Go Ducks Live at 9:15 a.m., Monday, Nov. 9.