Jocelyn Manning '17 Recruiting Profile

If you are looking for coachable, hardworking, all-around student athlete, a great defensive player who can also score, will not shy away from challenges, committed to getting better (because I know there is always room for improvement); I’m your athlete.  I will push myself and my teammates to be the best because that's what it took for me to be where I am. I believe in teamwork, that it takes everyone to achieve a goal, the 12 or so players, the coaching staff and trainers; we are one.

Growing up as the only girl of 3 children, sports has always been a part of my life. Whether it was following my older brother’s footsteps in basketball and swimming, watching my younger brother perfect his skills in gymnastics and football, participating in competitive cheerleading or intramural gymnastics; observing and participating in different sports helped me to decide that basketball is the sport I want to perfect as a competitive athlete.

I was an aggressive player at a young age and proved I belonged on the team. However, as a young girl, I had other interest and was fortunate to be able to participate in other sports and activities. In middle school I had the desire to play basketball again and my passion for the sport grew. I started personal and group training to improve my skills which helped prepare me for the next level.

In the spring of 2015 I began playing AAU for Havoc City Elite; this was by far the best decision I made playing AAU. The coaching staff on this team helped me change my mindset for the better, which made me better a player. They saw my potential and gave me opportunity to play through my weaknesses. Through the drills and games played, I developed an amazing ability to read the court and to apply basketball fundamentals.

I applied my new skills at Largo High school. In 9^th grade I played both JV and Varsity and earned a permanent spot on the varsity team. Due to my lack of confidence I did not excel as-well as I could have during my 10^th grade season; however, that all changed the summer leading into my junior year.

Going into my 11th grade season my coaches were extremely pleased to see that I had been putting in extra work. By the end of the year I was one of the top defenders on the team. They had me guard the best players on the other teams and during the state championship game (which we won) they had me guard the other team’s top scorer. I was acknowledged as the best defensive play and awarded Most Improved Player at the end of the season for the hard work and dedication I put into becoming better.

My last summer of playing AAU, I applied everything learned since playing basketball. My offensive and defensive game have both been improved. As a senior, I’m looking forward to being a major contributor on my high school varsity team and going through the recruitment process.