The Official Newspaper for Foster County
Whether she lights up the Harold Newman Arena scoreboard or not with the University of Jamestown, freshman Hannah Hagel has learned lessons that go beyond the basketball court.
"The [U of J] has taught me already so many things, whether it's from responsiblity with handling finals, practices and weights, to being able to wake up for an 8:00 a.m. class," she says.
Hannah, the daughter of Paul and Julie Hagel of Carrington, is a student-athlete for the Jimmies majoring in biology, and averages 3.3 points per contest, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in just a 7.3 minute average of court time.
"Since I've been on the basketball team, I've made so many connections with so many people, and friendships that seem like they've been there forever," Hagel said.
She explains that even though she is just 40 minutes from home, "it doesn't mean that I miss it any less."
"There have been many challenges to overcome, just like there is with any freshman," she explained. "The only thing that allows me to be so content and happy with being here all the time is the people."
Hagel is working towards her degree by taking a lot of chemistry and biology classes.
"Finals were definitely a struggle, but I was able to dig in deep and pass them all," she said. "It also helps that the professors here at UJ are very understanding and cooperative, which makes balancing basketball and school a breeze."
The Jimmies, led by fourth-year Head Coach Thad Sankey, currently sport a 16-8 record and 9-7 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC.)