Jourdan Banks and four teammates founded JSerra Catholic High School's varsity girls basketball team as freshmen.
Banks, who is now a senior at the San Juan Capistrano school and the team's co-captain, led her team to four CIF playoffs, two Freelance League quarterfinal appearances and two Trinity League playoffs – proof that her team's determination has worked.
Banks has accepted a basketball scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, where she will play for the women's basketball team in the fall.
Q. What encouraged you and your teammates to start the basketball program at JSerra?
A.It was "happenstance" that we all enrolled at JSerra at the same time. Throughout my nine years of playing basketball, I have played with and against all my current teammates prior to coming to JSerra. I know I can speak for myself and my other senior teammates that we are very proud to have started the girls' varsity basketball team. I remember we did all this without having a gym.
Q. Has basketball always been a passion of yours? How did you get into the game?
A.I think it is more genetics than passion. My dad is a basketball shooting coach in the area. My younger brother plays on one of the top AAU teams and I was blessed with height. My dad, brother and I would play around outside when we were very young and I just continued to play the game.
Q. How do you balance your time?
A.Since I was very young, my parents always preached about getting good grades and applying yourself in academics and athletics. I have developed good time management skills. When I know a project is due, I start on it weeks in advance. I do my homework ahead of time and I put aside time on the weekends to get ahead in work.
Q. What are some of your fondest high school basketball memories?
A. I have three fond memories – going to the quarterfinals of CIF as an all-freshman squad, and after the game the parents on the other team asked where we were going to college. When they found out we were freshmen, they were shocked. The other memory was winning the open division at the San Diego Classic our junior year. Lastly, I have enjoyed playing with my teammates who are also my best friends.
Q. What do you hope to gain from college?
A. Everyone tells me that an Ivy League education will open the doors to a lot of opportunities and I am looking forward to the opportunities and becoming a successful woman. I am nervous – born and raised in California with sunshine 365 days a year versus the east winters will be a huge adjustment. Being away from friends and families, and most importantly, the academic expectations of Penn – all these make me nervous.
