It isn't often that a freshman can have as great an impact on a team as Jessica Powers has had. From her quiet demeanor and underwhelming build, Powers' prowess and intensity on the court seems unimaginable. Yet speaking to any of her teammates or coaches, it becomes quickly evident.
"She's one of the most competitive people I've ever met," said senior co-captain Hillary Dunn. "No matter what the score is, she still approaches the game in the exact same way with the same competitive nature."
This starting guard on the women's basketball team currently leads the team in total points (284), average points (13.5), and minutes (646). Not only has her offense shone brilliantly over her first season of play, Powers has also displayed superb defensive skills, leading the team with 54 steals.
Powers first began playing basketball in elementary school. A soccer star as well, she knew that basketball was her first love. Growing up in Massapequa, New York, it was in high school that Powers needed to focus on one sport to continue. Focusing on basketball with the knowledge that she could continue on in college, Powers was lucky to develop her skills on one of Long Island's most competitive teams.
With only one senior, Dunn, leading the way for the Jumbos, the team was forced to rely upon Powers, along with two other freshmen to have an immediate impact. As Tufts has a history of underclassmen contributing immediately, handing a freshmen the ball in the clutch was no new feat for the Jumbos.
And strong opposition throughout her high school career made the transition from high school into collegiate easier for Powers, and allowed her to respond to this new challenge.
"It was so easy and smooth," Powers said. "The girls were very welcoming on the team and coach made it an easy transition."
The ease of Power's transition was apparent as she scored 23 points in only her third game, and she has started from the very beginning of the season. It was not long until Powers became the team leader in most offensive categories.
"It's definitely different playing college basketball and high school basketball. I've been surprised at her transition and how composed she can be through a game," coach Carla Berube said.
When she joined the Jumbos, becoming a leader was not one of Powers' expectations.
"I really didn't know what to expect," Powers said. "I didn't come in here expecting to start, I just wanted to contribute."
With a strong work ethic in both practice and on the court, Power's offensive weapons were soon evident for the team.
"As soon as I saw them play I knew that she was going to be a good offensive player for us," Berube said. "She has a lot of weapons: she's got a great pull away jumper, she can shoot three and is hard to the hole."
"It was obvious in the preseason that she was going to be an impact player," Dunn said echoing Berube's sentiments. "The fact that she's having a successful season isn't a surprise to anyone on the team."
Powers' contributions could not have come at a better time as the Jumbos have roared to a 16-5 start. After a 9-14 season in 2001-2002, the team lost several starters and seemed as if it was headed for another losing season.
The influx of a new coach along with several new freshmen has helped turn the team's fate around though, and Powers has been a large contributor to this turnaround. Berube herself was unaware of how Powers' role would play out as it was her first year coaching at Tufts and she had not been the one to recruit Powers.
While the Jumbos and Berube have worked hard at turning a transition year into a successful season, Powers and her teammates continue to improve and build for the future as well.
"She's a great kid," Berube said. "Her work ethic is great and it's obvious how much basketball means to her and how much the team means to her. She's very focused and a lot of fun to be around. She's goofy but a very passionate person and I'm lucky to have her for another three years. I'm sure she's going to have a great career here."
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