Contributing to the Yellow Jacket Winning Ways
By Dave Kich ‘05
BEREA, OHIO -- Heart. Effort. Passion. If you want to find the definition of these three words, you can do one of two things. You could locate the nearest Webster’s Dictionary and look them up. Or, more simply, you could attend a Baldwin-Wallace College women’s basketball game and watch sophomore Jessica Latimer play.
Latimer, a Brooklyn High School graduate, has come off the bench this season to average 1.9 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game for Head Coach Cheri Harrer’s Yellow Jacket squad that currently stands 6-3 overall entering a game against third-ranked the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh.
"Jess is a very hard worker. She has a great work ethic. Her teammates respect that because they know she is going to give 110 percent every time she steps on the floor," said Harrer.
After finishing her high school career as Brooklyn’s second all-time leading scorer with 1,353 career points, Latimer has had to make the adjustment from being a starter in high school to coming off the bench for B-W. However, Latimer, the consummate team player, has made the transition smoothly.
"Coming off the bench was a big transition for me at first," said Latimer. I’ve learned to accept my role. It has caused me to work even harder for the day that I may have the chance to start. However, coming off the bench has really helped me because it allows for me to get a better feel for each game."
Latimer’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. It is the intangibles that she brings to the game that have defined her young career at B-W.
"It is very key for us that Jess comes off the bench and picks us up," said Harrer. She is a great competitor and relentless on the boards. Jess just plays hard all the time."
Leading by example is something that Latimer has brought with her to B-W. An intense competitor, Latimer’s work ethic has not been lost on her teammates. Sophomore Michelle White says, "Her work ethic is great. Jess is a 5’9’’ post and plays like she’s 6’5". She’s always there to get the rebounds and make really strong post moves."
"Jessica is a very supportive teammate. She is always looking to help her teammates and you can always look up to her," said sophomore Steffani Jaworski.
However, one person at B-W who is not surprised by Latimer’s leadership ability and fierce desire to be the best is Assistant Coach Jim Verba. That is because Verba coached Latimer throughout her high school career. In fact, Verba has been coaching Latimer since the sixth grade.
"She is very coachable. She’d go through a brick wall for me. I never had to worry about her attitude. Jess didn’t need to be motivatedÉshe was motivated by winning. She always performed her best in the big games," said Verba.
Speaking of big games, Latimer turned in her best individual performance last season on the big stage of the OAC Tournament. Although the Yellow Jackets lost in the semi-final round to Otterbein College, 59-56, Latimer came away from that game with a career high 11 points and 14 rebounds.
"It’s the big games I like. I look forward to stepping up," said Latimer.
Verba, a brilliant coaching mind with a list of coaching honors and achievements a mile long, is elated to be a part of Latimer’s college career.
"Being able to coach Jess again has been a lot of fun. She is one of the top two or three players I’ve ever coachedÉif not THE player," said Verba.
Verba’s presence at B-W has meant a lot to Latimer as well. "It has been nothing but a positive for me. I can look over and see a friendly face. It’s nice to have someone there who knows you so well," says Latimer.
In addition to Verba, Latimer, a former standout volleyball player in high school as well, has a tremendous support system that has followed her throughout her athletic career. She notes that her family is always by her side. Also, Latimer points to her AAU and CYO coach Scott Douglas for having a huge impact on the way she plays the game. Latimer goes on to say that her teammates have been an amazing part of her support system.
"The atmosphere is very friendly. It’s like I have 15 or 16 sisters on the team. Everyone looks out for each other," says Latimer.
The friendly atmosphere of the B-W women’s basketball team is something that Latimer has a hand in. She is a psychology major who would like to go to graduate school and eventually open her own practice, specializing in adolescent psychology. If you’re asking why did Latimer choose this major, the reason is not surprising.
"I’m a big talker. I just love people. I like to help people. I love to interact with people and if I can help them in the process that’s makes it all the better," said Latimer.
For the immediate future, Latimer is committed to helping B-W continue its winning ways. As can be expected, Latimer has set goals for herself that she wants to meet before her career ends at B-W.
"I want to be known as a hard worker who left it all on the floorÉnot just someone who put up numbers. I look at basketball as a heart and hustle thing. Most importantly, I just want the team to be the best we can be. With the coaching staff and players that we have here, I’m confident we’ll be able to do that," said Latimer.
One thing is for certain, with Latimer’s unparalleled passion for the game and intense desire to win, the B-W Women’s Basketball team has a bright future ahead. That’s good news for the Yellow Jackets. Unfortunately, that’s bad news for future Yellow Jacket opponents.
275 Eastland Rd.