Jessie Van Lear '18 Recruiting Profile

I realize I will never be the tallest or fastest player, but I am certain that I will always be the hardest working, most coachable, and most versatile player on the team. I am very competitive and always willing to to work hard in order to be a good player and teammate. I have respected and listened to every coach I have had since I started playing sports at the age of 4. Since my first basketball team, I have played every position. In fact, my position often changes with every possession. I am confident as a point guard and often have the ball in my hand at crucial moments in a game. I typically play SG, SF, and PF for my school and travel teams. I have also played several seasons at Bergman as the post. I handle the ball without fear, work to find open players with the best shot, shoot 3-pointers with about 50% accuracy (I only started shooting 3's during my junior year), and can fearlessly drive to the basket. There are still so many areas of my game that I need to develop or improve, but I feel all of my experiences have made me a versatile and well rounded player. I am thankful for every opportunity I’ve had to play the game I love, and I am willing to put in the time and effort necessary to play at the next level.

Besides being committed to athletic and academic success, I am also an active member of the Harrison First United Methodist Church. I have dedicated time during spring and summer breaks for the last 5 years to mission work. I have currently served on eight trips. I have been blessed to help with mission trips in Arkansas and West Virginia, and I completed a 17-day mission trip to Kenya the summer before my senior year. I am currently developing a program for the surrounding communities for my Key Club service project. It is called Boone County Missions, and our members will complete home projects (building ramps or decks, power washing, working in yards/gardens, etc.) for our neighbors who can't do it for themselves--physically or financially. My faith has always been an integral part of who I am, and I hope to continue with mission trips, share my faith, and help others for as long as I am able.