Sports

Sports News Briefs — Fall 2022

Anonymous — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Sports News Briefs — Fall 2022 Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 11/07/2022 - 00:00

Plati to Semi-Retire

Associate athletic director and sports information director (SID) David Plati (Jour’82) will semi-retire Jan. 1, 2023.

Plati began as a student assistant at CU in 1978, became assistant SID in January 1983 and was named SID in July 1984. In addition to leading the SID office and covering over 500 CU football games, he also has worked for the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies and Denver Bears (Minor League Baseball).

“David has been an icon at CU and in this industry for over 40 years,” said athletic director Rick George.

Over 100 of Plati’s former student assistants have established careers in sports information or team media relations.

“That’s probably the one thing I’m most proud of — seeing the CU SID tree grow and grow,” Plati said.

Assistant athletic director Curtis Snyder (Jour’98) was named interim SID. Plati will continue to serve as SID-Emeritus, Program Historian and men’s golf SID.

Buff’s Bits

Soccer’s Shyra James’ (IntPhys’24) goal-scoring streak reached 10 games, stretching from the 2021 season until she went scoreless in the Buffs’ 1-1 draw at Michigan on Sept. 8. … Taylor Kornieck (StComm’20) was named to the U.S. Women’s National Team for the 2022 women’s championship for the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football. … Men’s golf’s Dylan McDermott (Bus’25) won the season-opening Fighting Irish Classic in South Bend, Indiana, on Sept. 5 after a four-hole playoff . McDermott’s 10-under par, three-round score of 200 is the lowest gross score in Colorado golf history. … Men’s basketball head coach Tad Boyle led the USA Basketball Men’s Under 18 National Team to its sixth consecutive International Basketball Federation Under 18 Americas Men’s Championship on June 6–12 in Tijuana, Mexico. Boyle was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Board of Directors in June.

Coach Talk

“I’m a little embarrassed because I’ve had so much help. In the 51 years since i started, dozens of people have encouraged and helped me.”

— Mark Wetmore, cross-country and track and field head coach on Aug. 18 after learning he will be inducted into the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Stats

3-0

Women’s basketball during August’s tour of Spain.

19th

Season men’s and women’s cross-country opened the year both ranked in the top five nationally.

Blocks by volleyball’s Alexia Kuehl (SLHSci’23) during the first two weeks of the 2022 season.

Undrafted Buffs standout Nate Landman (Mktg’21) survived the final round of cuts on Aug. 30 and made the Atlanta Falcons’ initial 53-player roster for the 2022 NFL season.

57th

Jabari Walker (Comm ex’24) selected overall in the NBA draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.

115

Soccer head coach Danny Sanchez’s career wins after the Buffaloes beat Valparaiso 3-0 on Aug. 26. With the victory, Sanchez became soccer’s all-time leader in wins.

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Photo courtesy David Plati

David Plati’s semi-retirement, Mark Wetmore’s hall of fame induction and more.

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Colorado Athletics Visibility Award

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Colorado Athletics Visibility Award Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 03/11/2022 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

CU announced the creation of the Colorado Athletics Visibility Award (CAVA) Dec. 1, 2021. The $20,000 scholarship, the first of its kind in collegiate athletics, recognizes student-athletes who use their platform, power and visibility to support LGBTQ+ participants in sports. CAVA was founded by Buff Club development intern Nicholas Turco (PolSci’22). Turco conducted a study about sports climate and culture for LGBTQ+ members in CU Athletics, which identified challenges for transgender student-athletes and the difficulty of being one’s authentic self in male-identified revenue-generating sports.

In partnership with the College of Arts and Sciences, Turco coordinated raising over $80,000 towards a goal of covering attendance at CU for two recipients annually, while also funding other student-athletes’ projects. Volleyball’s Alexia Kuehl (SLHSci’24) and men’s basketball’s Evan Battey (Jour’21; MSOL’23) are the first CAVA recipients. Kuehl hopes to promote awareness and inclusion for LGBTQ+ identities in local schools and create an anti-bullying video to be shared in the schools. Battey wants to create change for LGBTQ+ individuals in CU Athletics specifically, while raising awareness and funds for future CAVA recipients.

“My hope is to bring both my communities together with sports and LGBTQ+, and help raise awareness for younger generations so they don't have to be afraid to be who they are,” Kuehl said. Battey added, “We need more proud allies in the community. It is incredibly important to me and the people around me that we must have a basic understanding of LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance of them.”

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Photo by Matt Tyrie

CU announced the creation of the Colorado Athletics Visibility Award (CAVA) Dec. 1, 2021. Alexia Kuehl and Evan Battey were the first recipients.

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Staying Positive: Q&A with Olympic Triathlete Morgan Pearson

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 18:50:21 +0000

Staying Positive: Q&A with Olympic Triathlete Morgan Pearson Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 07/23/2021 - 12:50

After running cross country and track at CU, Morgan Pearson (Econ, Math’16) worked odd jobs while pursuing a professional running career. He wanted a change that might incorporate his other athletic abilities. Pearson emailed the USA Triathlon’s (USAT) Collegiate Recruitment Program hoping his running times would interest them. They immediately sent him a bike, and he soon began training as a triathlete. In May, he qualified for the Olympics with an overall time of 1:43:12. Five years after Pearson reached out to USAT, he is headed to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as a U.S. triathlete. Here, he reflects on his athletic background and his dreams of being the best on earth.

How did you get started as a runner and athlete?
My older brother ran cross country in middle school when we attended Delbarton, a school in New Jersey. I wanted to be like him!

Why the triathlon?
I grew up swimming and lifeguard training in the ocean, then I started running. So, I have a really good background for triathlon. I also love to train really hard, which triathlons require.

You were the first U.S. man ever to medal in multiple World Triathlon Championship Series events in one year, and you now rank 11th in the world. What is it like going into the Olympics with this background? Does this experience affect your outlook at all?

I'm actually the first male to win multiple medals, period (counting multiple years). I believe I am not a medal favorite, but I can be considered a contender based on my performance in Leeds and Yokohama. I am in really good shape, and I know I have the ability to medal. I am still relatively new to the sport, but I am telling myself I am a savvy veteran.

What motivates you?
My family. And wanting to be the best in the world.

What is your favorite trail to run on near �山��?
Gold Hill!

What advice would you give to young athletes with Olympic dreams?
Be positive. It's easy to get down on yourself, but if you stay positive over the course of a season and a year, you will always be trending in the right direction. That, and: It is not supposed to be easy.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
I am honored to represent the United States in the Olympics. This past year and a half with COVID has been extremely difficult on a lot of people, and I am hoping the Olympics are a way the world can come together for something positive. Also, go Buffs!

Watch Morgan Pearson compete in the Olympic Triathlon on July 26, 2021.

Interview condensed and edited by Grace Dearnley (Engl'21)

Morgan Pearson (Econ, Math’16) reflects on his athletic background and his dreams of being the best on earth.

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Steeplechaser Val Constien Is Headed to Tokyo

Anonymous — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 16:45:12 +0000

Steeplechaser Val Constien Is Headed to Tokyo Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 07/19/2021 - 10:45

Val Constien (EnvEngr’19) works full time for running technology company Stryd while training in the steeplechase, a 3,000m obstacle race. When the third place shoo-in withdrew due to an injury just a few weeks before the Olympic qualifiers, Constien realized she had a real shot at going to Tokyo. With a third place finish in the qualifiers — a time of 9:18.34 — Constien is headed to the 2020 Summer Olympics.

How’d you get started as a runner?

I started my athletic career doing children's soccer and gymnastics. I actually didn't start competing in distance events until high school. In middle school, I ran the 200m and I did the long jump. Distance running was really hard for me at first. Before high school, the most I ever ran was 2 miles. Once I built some endurance, my love affair with running began!

Why the steeplechase?

Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs, two of CU’s track and field coaches, recruited me for the steeplechase. To be honest I didn't know what that was until I signed with CU. It worked out for the best because I don't think I have the same level of talent required for flat races. My flat 3k time has never been faster than my steeplechase time for more than a few months. The barriers don't really slow me down.

You work 40 hours a week for Stryd and still make time for your Olympic aspirations. How do you think it affects your outlook and training?

Working a full-time job is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love the structure that it brings to my life and it has encouraged me to be a more focused person. This is also the first time in my life that I have some financial security and freedom. I make enough money that I don't stress out about big things like travel expenses or little day-to-day things like food and running shoes. With this kind of peace of mind, I can relax and settle into a good training routine.

What motivates you?

I just want to run fast. It's that simple for me. Running is really fun and is made better when you feel fast and see your fitness improve over time.

I am motivated by self-improvement and chasing down professionals, too.

What is your favorite trail to run on near �山��?

I love running the Lower Mesa Trail in the summer. It's also really fun to explore the Upper Mesa Trail too, but this trail is really challenging so I can't run it every week. It helps that my house is less than a mile away from both of these trailheads!

What advice would you give to young athletes with Olympic dreams?

Young athletes should try to have as much fun with their sport as possible. If the athlete is having fun and developing a love for the sport then the sky's the limit! If you love what you do, then you can enjoy the journey no matter what happens.

What do you like to do when you’re not running?

I like to read my books and cook new foods. Usually, I am either running, working or sleeping, so the little time I have is very special.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I would like to reiterate the importance of happiness in athletic success. One of the reasons I didn't have much college success is because I was very unhappy for most of my undergraduate career. Now that I'm living a life that I love, running is easy to pour my heart into.

Watch Val Constien compete in round one of the Olympic Steeplechase on Aug. 1, 2021.

Photos courtesy of Val Constien.

Interview condensed and edited by Grace Dearnley (Engl’21).

Val Constien (EnvEngr'19) reflects on the benefits of working full-time while training for the Olympics and the importance of happiness for success.

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Q&A with CU Runner and Olympian Joe Klecker

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 15:19:43 +0000

Q&A with CU Runner and Olympian Joe Klecker Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 07/15/2021 - 09:19

After graduating in the middle of the pandemic, Joe Klecker (Biochem’20) embarked on a professional running career. He signed with On as a founding athlete of the On Athletics Club (OAC), coached by Dathan Ritzenhein (Hist’06). On June 18, Klecker qualified for the Olympics in the 10,000m run with a time of 27:54:90. Here, he reflects on his favorite �山�� trail, where he finds motivation.

How did you get started as a runner?

I was introduced to running at a very young age. My mom was a 1992 Olympian in the marathon for Team USA. My dad was the former world record holder for the 50-mile ultramarathon and was a great marathoner as well. Also, all of my older siblings ran on the cross-country team, so when I was able to join the cross-country team in 7th grade, it felt like a very natural move. I often ran with my older brother John while in elementary school and fell in love with seeing tangible improvement over time.

Why the 10,000m race?

I first tried the event last December and ran very close to the Olympic standard, so it seemed this event suited me pretty well. I ran 27:35; the standard is 27:28. I love the 5,000m and the 1,500m as well, but I felt my best shot to make the Olympic team and represent Team USA well lied in focusing just on the 10k.

What motivates you?

My biggest motivation is my family. Over the years, every member of my family has invested so much into my career that I feel extra pressure to perform because of it. For instance, during the Olympic trials, my whole family flew out to Eugene to see me race. My brother came all the way from Long Island; my sister braved taking her 1-year-old on the plane. That all makes me want to achieve my goals even more. They have all sacrificed to support me, so I felt I needed to make that Olympic team.

What is your favorite trail to run on near �山��?

My favorite trail is the Open Sky Loop north of �山�� near Lagerman Reservoir. It is a perfect five-mile loop, with only two small road crossings and a great view of the mountains. It makes the miles very enjoyable.

What advice would you give to young athletes with Olympic dreams?

I think having the goal of “making the olympics” can be daunting. But if you set goals of small improvements every day, eventually you will be shocked with how far you have come.

What do you like to do when you’re not running?

I love spending time with my family and two dogs.

Watch Joe Klecker race in the 10,000m on July 30, 2021.

Interview condensed and edited by Grace Dearnley (Engl'21).

Top photo by Justin Britton; Right photo by Bit Klecker.

Joe Klecker (Biochem'20) reflects on his favorite �山�� trail, where he finds motivation.

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No More Next Times: Q&A with Olympic Marathoner Jake Riley

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 16:02:01 +0000

No More Next Times: Q&A with Olympic Marathoner Jake Riley Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 07/14/2021 - 10:02

When Jake Riley (MMechEngr’21) ran in the Olympic Marathon Trials Feb. 29, he didn’t think he’d qualify for the Games — until he reached the last 10 meters of the race. After four years as a student athlete at Stanford, a professional running career, struggles with injuries and finally a move to �山�� to study and train, Riley competed at the trials with his mantra “no more next times” in mind. He placed second with a time of 2:10:02, and is headed to Tokyo this summer for the Olympics. Here, he reflects on his earliest wins, the importance of balance and the motivation of self-improvement.

How did you get started as a runner?

In elementary school in New Zealand, I went to a city cross-country meet. I didn’t know much about running, but I went. When I got there — I was a third grader, so take this with a grain of salt — I won it. That was a really big deal for me. I got a medal; I wore it around all the time. So that kind of gave me my first little taste.

Then in middle school, after we’d moved back to the States, on the first day of track they took all of the sixth graders around and had us try out all the events. There was this kid who was just crushing everyone in everything. He won the high jump, he won the 100m; he won pretty much all of it. Then in the 1600m run, I beat him. That was a very big deal for me. I think that was kind of my first introduction to winning and to the idea that this was something not only I am good at, but that I am good at in comparison to other people. It was something that was kind of mine.

How did you go from the 1600m race to the marathon now?

Well, it’s always just been whatever was the longest event I could do. I think by most standards I’m fast, but by professional standards I’m not that quick. But I’ve got staying power; I can tough it out. My skill set is about being able to hold a moderately difficult pace for a really long time. Every time I move up in distance, I’ve been more successful, so it was inevitable that I would eventually get to the marathon. I have not started doing ultramarathons yet, but I think it’s only a matter of time.

You just graduated with your master’s degree, so you were training for the Olympics while you were studying mechanical engineering. What was that like?

I was dealing with not being able to find a job, and feeling like I had some unfinished business with running. I figured I could work part time, go to school part time and I could train. I was looking for places I could find a challenging academic career and a solid running community. �山�� checked those boxes. I got into CU and worked on grad school part time; I got a job working as an SAT tutor.

Since making the Olympics, my trajectory has changed a little bit. But eventually, I’d like to work in athletics. I’d love to do shoe design. Something along the lines of creating the next generation of training shoes.

What advice would you give to young athletes with Olympic dreams?

Balance, I think. In general, I see a lot of people who think that in order to be successful at your sport it has to be all that sport all the time. It’s really easy to get burnt out because running is a huge time commitment. Sports take a lot of emotional energy; they take a lot of physical energy. That’s hard to sustain over a whole Olympic cycle or even a whole season.

I’m in one of those sports — and I would say gymnastics, swimming, a bunch of these other ones, too — that’s only popular every four years. That means you’ve got four years when you’re digging in the trenches, you’re in the dark, and you’ve got to sustain that high emotional energy, focus and drive. That can be draining. It’s really, really helpful to have something else there.

Would you say that you’re more motivated by achievement or do you really just love the act of running?

I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m motivated by achievement. I watched that Michael Jordan Last Dance documentary and he talked about how every time he went on the court he had to win. I don’t have quite that solely-motivated-by-competition fire.

I do think my motivation is partly success related, but also partly about how much better I can be than I was last time. When the training is doing what you wanted it to do, that feels amazing. And then the cherry on top is when you can take the buildup and time commitment and put it into a race to see the results. So, some of it is self-improvement. But a little bit of it is, yeah, running can be fun.

What is your favorite training trail near �山��?

We start at Marshall Mesa Trailhead, and then you can go underneath HWY 93 — it’s called Community Ditch. So, you take Community Ditch and then there’s this loop we do through El Dorado Canyon Park.

First of all, on Community Ditch you’re running right toward the mountains. You’ve got the Flatirons laid out in front of you over this gorgeous plain. Then you get a bit of the hills and you run through the pines. After that, it leads you through this little slot canyon in El Dorado. There’s a whole bunch of little places you can add on if you want. It’s a soft surface, technical trail without being too technical. I love it.

What do you do for fun?

I have all the subscription services. But I guess it’s kind of tiresome for me to say I’m watching Game of Thrones for the second time. We also go camping. I love Estes Park. I met my girlfriend through pub trivia, so we do a lot of that. More of that is online since COVID. If I weren’t training, I might go with some friends to play volleyball in Denver.

Watch Jake Riley compete in the Olympic Marathon Aug. 2, 2021.

Interview condensed and edited by Grace Dearnley (Engl'21).

Photo courtesy Brian Metzler (top); Zach Hetrick (right)

Alum Jake Riley reflects on his earliest wins, the importance of balance and the motivation of self-improvement.

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From Running to Reporting: Q&A with Kara Goucher

Anonymous — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:22:40 +0000

From Running to Reporting: Q&A with Kara Goucher Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 07/14/2021 - 09:22

In 2008, Kara Goucher (Psych’01) ran the 5,000m and the 10,000m races for the U.S. at the Beijing Olympics. In 2012, she returned to the Olympics as a U.S. marathoner. She has since transitioned to trail running and most recently has started a career as a track and field and distance analyst for NBC TV. This summer, she is headed to the Olympics again — this time, as a commentator for NBC. Below, she discusses her favorite �山�� trail, how her racing career informs her reporting and the importance of believing in one’s own abilities.

How did you get started as a runner and athlete?
I started running when I was six years old. My grandfather was a lifelong runner who took me to a race. I started organized running in seventh grade and fell in love with it. That eventually led to a scholarship at CU and then to two Olympic teams.

What was it like to transition from your role as a professional athlete to your current role as a sports analyst?

I’m new to this job! I was asked to audition earlier this year and have only called a few competitions so far. I called the distance races at the Olympic Trials last month. That was good preparation for what the Olympic Games will be like.

Obviously, my years of being a professional athlete on the track circuit allow me to see the races in a different light. My job is to share with the audience why things are unfolding the way they are.

How has your perspective on the games changed as your role has changed from competitor to analyst?

Of course, when I was competing, the Olympics were the ultimate height of my athletic achievement. Now that I’m removed from competition, I realize that there is so much more to a career. As an athlete, reaching the Olympics is always the goal. Working for NBC is different. We are at the games, and our job is to tell the athletes’ stories well.

What excites you most about the opportunity to report and comment on the Olympics for NBC TV?

I’m most excited to get the audience to care about the athletes on the track. I want to explain strategies and who the athletes are as people. I’m excited to see the races unfold in front of me and talk about it!

Do you have a favorite trail to run on near �山��?

There are so many. I do love Bobolink for easy recovery runs.

What advice would you give to young athletes with Olympic dreams?

You have to believe in yourself. But also, remember: making the team or not making the team does not define you. As long as you are enjoying the process and doing it with integrity, you should be proud of your pursuit! Most people won’t make an Olympic team. It’s an honorable pursuit, but does not define you as an athlete or a person.

What do you like to do when you’re not running or reporting?
I love being a mom to my son Colt, designing running clothes for Oiselle, encouraging other people to run, reading, cooking and spending lots of time with my family.

Interview condensed and edited by Grace Dearnley (Engl'21)

Photos courtesy of Kara Goucher

Kara Goucher (Psych'01) discusses her favorite �山�� trail, how her racing career informs her reporting and the importance of believing in one’s own abilities.

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�山��'s Olympic Games Legacy

Anonymous — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 06:00:00 +0000

�山��'s Olympic Games Legacy Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 07/02/2021 - 00:00

�山�� has long been a mecca for outdoor adventure, and CU’s strong historic presence at the Olympic Games proves it. Since 1948, the university has produced over 90 Olympic athletes who have competed in events across the globe. In honor of the upcoming Tokyo Games, here’s a look at CU’s storied history of Olympians.

CU had the most Summer Olympians in its history in 2000 (8) and the most Winter Olympians in 1972 (13).

Over 90 �山�� Forever Buffs have attended the Olympics. Among universities and colleges with the most Olympians, CU ranks 10th.

20 medals have been won by CU Olympians in total (9 Gold, 4 Silver, 7 Bronze).

1st: CU has more affiliated Olympic cyclists (13) and alpine skiers (29) than any other university and ranks second in shooting sports (7) and third in judo (6).

6 Olympic coaches have been affiliated with CU.

�山�� 2020 Olympians*

Emma Coburn (Mktg'13), 3,000-meter steeplechase, Team USA
Val Constien (EnvEngr'18), 3,000-meter steeplechase, Team USA
Flora Duffy (Soc'13), Triathalon, Team Bermuda
Erin Huck (MechEng'04), Mountain Bike, Team USA
Joe Klecker (BioChem'20), 10,000-meter run, Team USA
Morgan Pearson (Econ, Math'16), Triathalon, Team USA
Jacob Riley (MMechEng'21), Marathon, Team USA
Melissa Stockwell (Comm'02), Triathalon, Team USA

�山��-affiliated 2020 Olympic Journalists*

Read about �山��'s cadre of Olympic Games journalists, veterans and first-timers alike, some reporting in person and others from as far away as Berlin.

John Branch (Mktg'89, MJour'96), New York Times reporter
Greg Bull (Jour'91), AP photographer covering gymnastics
Marina Dmukhovskaya (CU instructor), Olympics.com team
Kara Goucher (Psych'01), NBC broadcaster
Peter Lasser (Comm'76), NBC producer
Cheryl Preheim (Comm'95), NBC Atlanta reporter
Carl Quintanilla (PoliSci'93), NBC host team
Lina Takahashi (Jour'19), NBC Sports Group, Olympic Games management assistant

Learn more about all 2020 CU system Olympians.

*The Coloradan staff is tracking this information as it becomes available. Please reach out to editor@colorado.edu if you'd like to add to the list. Go Buffs!

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Photo courtesy CU Athletics (Ceal Barry, Robert Jeangerard and Jenny Simpson); CU Heritage Center (David Bolen); Billy Kidd

Since 1948, the �山�� has produced over 90 Olympic athletes who have competed in events across the globe.

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10 Things to Know About Chip the Buffalo, CU’s Mascot

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 14:54:15 +0000

10 Things to Know About Chip the Buffalo, CU’s Mascot Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 06/15/2021 - 08:54

Grace Dearnley

Chip performs at the 2018 CU Homecoming pregame on October 28, 2018. (Photo by Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado)

Chip, CU’s buffalo character mascot, has appeared at games and university events since the 1980s. He dances, jokes and even brings along his family members to join the fun. Here are 10 fun facts about Chip the Buffalo, the life of every CU campus party.

Chip can be found at CU football, basketball and volleyball games, as well as at other community, campus and charity events.
To ensure that everyone who plays Chip performs similarly, the students attend a camp over the summer to train. While there, they do drills to practice walking, taking big steps and turning their heads.
Chip is a part of the University of Colorado Spirit Program, which also includes the dance team and cheer team.
In a normal year, Chip makes anywhere from 300 to 400 appearances.
All of the students who perform as Chip must maintain anonymity to protect the character.
Six to eight students per year split the duties as Chip.
The head of the Chip costume is a hockey helmet with foam and steel added to create Chip’s likeness. It weighs somewhere between 7 and 8 pounds.
Chip once conducted an orchestra at Macky Auditorium.
Children who join the Chip Kid’s Club can get a special personalized note on their birthdays from the mascot himself.
Chip has won three first-place Universal Cheerleaders Association National Championships. He took home back-to-back wins in 2009 and 2010, and he most recently won in 2020.

CU’s buffalo character mascot, dances, jokes and even brings along his family members to join the fun. Here are 10 fun facts about Chip the Buffalo, the life of every CU campus party.

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Sports Q&A: Will Over Skill

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Sports Q&A: Will Over Skill Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 03/18/2021 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

Sophomore Jaylyn Sherrod (Soc’23) is CU women’s basketball’s first–ever player from Alabama. Named CU’s Most Improved player and selected for the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team, the 5'7" Birmingham native reflects on leading as a point guard, choosing the Buffs and communicating on and off the court.

You became the Buffs’ starting point guard after six games last year. What was it like directing the offense as a first-year player?

It was tough having to learn so much. But at the same time, it was an experience that I needed, and it helped me grow as a player and as a person more than anything.

What were the biggest takeaways from your first year?

Learning how to lead, be more vocal and communicate with my teammates and coaches to get us all on the same page. We all have different personalities. It was figuring out how to get the best out of each person on the team.

How did offseason training go for you?

When I got home, I worked out with my trainer. I met him when I was in ninth grade. I went to Florida with him a couple of times and worked with [Saints quarterback] Jameis Winston. With the [CU] team, it was Zoom. We did a lot of calls, a lot of film sessions, trying to find ways to learn, even though we couldn’t be training in person.

Did you ever play basketball with Jameis?

We did play. It was me and a couple of my old teammates and a couple of guys who we worked out with. There’s video out there. If you lost, you had to run. We won, so that was good.

What’s something you make sure to do when you’re in Birmingham?

I eat at places that I don’t get the chance to eat at up here. A place called Granny’s, a food truck. They do shrimp and grits, and it’s really, really good. There’s a line down the street.

You’re the first player in program history from Alabama. Why did you choose CU?

Because they were really invested. They showed the most interest in getting to know me and not just me, but also my family and the people around me. I'm not a fan of the snow, but I love the people. I love the atmosphere. I love the energy.

Can you share something you’ve learned from Coach JR Payne?

I told Coach, ‘I don’t know how you do it.’ It seems so stressful to be a second mom to 16 girls on the team and have her own children. It’s the mental toughness of all the coaches really, because they have their own lives and families, too.

Why did you change your number from 1to00overthe offseason?

In high school, I did the same thing. I really grew asaleaderandasa communicator on my high school team. And I saw myself doing that as a sophomore here. I thought: why not remind myself what I went through and how I came up out of it?

Junior Lesila Finau (Psych’22) began last season as the starting point guard. This season, you’re both starters in the same backcourt. How does that work?

It has made it a lot easier for our offense because it puts in another ball handler. You have basically two point guards out on the floor. Sila brings a lot to this team.

How do you stay in control?

That’s what I bring to the table. My job is to bring energy and just do what I do because I'm not 6'4." I’ve gotten a lot better at how to change speeds at times.

You’re known to say, “It’s will over skill.” What motivates you?

My will is what got me here, the intangibles. I don’t need to score 30 points. I don't need to have a great three-point percentage. Honestly, so many people now get lost in having more skill instead of that fight, that toughness and that grit.

What’s one thing Buffs fans would be surprised to learn about you?

I am a nerd. I like Greek mythology and Shakespeare. I have a tattoo from Shakespeare on me. When I have free time, I’m normally reading a book. It’s crazy because I really do not like school.

INTERVIEW BY ANDREW DAIGLE. CONDENSED AND EDITED.

Sophomore Jaylyn Sherrod (Soc’23) is CU women’s basketball’s first–ever player from Alabama. Named CU’s Most Improved player and selected for the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team, the 5'7" Birmingham native reflects on leading as a point guard, choosing the Buffs and communicating on and off the court.

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