We have all heard at some point in our basketball career to work hard, to be dedicated, and make sacrifices to reach goals we have set for ourselves. When I look back at my personal experience, achieving my goals was not an easy task. I had to endure all kind of criticism, obstacles, and setbacks, but it never stopped me or made me want to quit; on the contrary I used it as fuel to motivate me to succeed. It also made me understand not to take anything for granted, and better appreciate the success I have enjoyed.
But this article is not about me; it's about a Doggpound girl, who worked all summer long relentlessly, and pushed herself every time she was on the court to be the best player she can be. I have witnessed it first hand, as well as the other coaches at Doggpound, and we are very proud of what she is accomplishing.
Her name is Jordyn Halvorson.
Jordyn was one of the best players in the province throughout her high school career. She was recruited by the University of Saskatchewan, and redshirted her first year. She came to Doggpound this past spring, and my first impression of her was that she was talented, but lacked confidence in her abilities. As coaches, we all knew she could play, but we were reflecting on how we could get her over the hump to become an elite and productive player on the court. It was challenging and frustrating at first, but we did not give her room to breathe. All the coaches spent time with Jordyn working on her game, and preparing her mentally to tackle any obstacle she may face.
Jordyn was not sure if she would be making the University of Saskatchewan's roster this year, and we could sense the anxiety, but her will to keep playing basketball was intact. Slowly but surely, she started to invest herself more into the training. She would practice any chance she got, and would work on her game at Doggpound as well as on her own. As coaches, we were pleased to see that drive she had in her, and as the school year was approaching, Jordyn was getting better. Her dedication and hard work earned her a visit over the summer from NCAA div II, Minot State University's head coach Sheila Gerding, who was impressed with her basketball skills and wanted her to come and play for her.
Jordyn is a University of Saskatchewan Huskie! She made her team this year, and her teammates were surprised at how well conditioned she was, and how much she improved over the summer. They also raved about how confident she was on the court, and is still working hard to earn some playing time this year!
Her initial goal was to make the team, but now she set her mind on getting minutes on the court. We are confident in her ability to achieve that goal!
Jordyn told me that all the 17's, push ups, burpies, and conditioning drills we had for her greatly helped her in making the team. She hated all of those drills, but she is appreciative of how it helped her getting better.
We wanted to share this story with everyone, to illustrate that when we want something badly or want to reach a goal, we need to put in the work. Not only at Doggpound, but on our own as well! We all have goals and aspirations, but are we willing to invest ourselves 100% and make sacrifices? How
BAD do you want it? Jordyn is a proof of what it takes to dedicate yourself and making sacrifices.
All the credit goes to Jordyn for believing in us, and in herself, and also for working hard and being dedicated. When you read this Jordyn, I just want you to know that we have a lot of new crazy conditioning drills for you next time you visit us. You won't like them, but you know the benefits ;)
On behalf of everyone at Doggpound, we are pleased to have helped you and we wish you the best of luck in your upcoming season.
The Doggpound Family
