After hours upon hours of practice, senior Jayna Mojica was finally able to score for the first time in a basketball game. On January 26, the varsity girls basketball team beat Thornapple Kellogg 36-25 at home in front of a full crowd.
Making the first shot of the game, team manager Mojica put the Wildcats up 2-0, helping out the team on the court for the first time in her basketball career.
“I’ve always been shooting baskets individually or with my mom. I never thought of being in a real basketball game,” Mojica said.
Ever since childhood, Mojica’s mother wanted her to have the opportunity to play basketball, especially since she never got the chance in high school. For the past few years, the two shot hoops in their driveway for fun, causing Mojica to fall in love with the sport.
“Jayna means the world to me. She is someone who took her life situation and made it positive. She is a role model as to what truly matters – making the best out of every situation and being happy,” girls varsity coach Rose Antrim said.
As a senior, this was her last year to get a chance to play with her teammates, who have always been there to support her. Mojica attends at least one practice a week and travels to away games with the team.
“Jayna always tells me the best part of her day is being around the team,” Antrim said.
After all she’s done to help of the team, Antrim thought it was about time to play their biggest supporter.
“I felt so legit [scoring my first basket], and I was so determined,” Mojica said.
As soon as the ball went through the hoop, Mojica’s teammates surrounded her on the court. Usually, she was the one cheering for the rest of the team, but this time she was able to experience what it was like to score.
“I was so proud of her,” junior and teammate Nicole Barto said. “She’s always there to pick us up when we’re down and always has a smile on her face.”