By Ivy Knapp
For El Reno freshman Jaida Richardson, basketball has been part of her life since she was little. A ninth grader who’s been playing for 12 years, Jaida’s love for the game started at home.
“My mom and dad are basketball coaches,” she said. “That’s what first got me interested in the sport.”
On the court, Jaida takes command as the point guard.
“I love being able to see the floor and hit an open teammate in transition for an easy bucket,” she said.
Her ability to lead and set up plays shows her skills on the court. When Jaida looks back, some of her favorite memories come from her 7th and 8th grade seasons.
“I enjoy riding the bus, laughing, and eating with my friends,” she said.
Those small moments remind her that basketball isn’t just about the wins. It’s also about the friendships that come with it. When she’s not playing on the court, Jaida stays busy. She’s involved in both volleyball and basketball, balancing two sports while keeping up with school.
“Sometimes it’s a lot because I play club volleyball too,” she said. “Four days a week I don’t get home until after 9 p.m., but I try to get my work done at school.”
She credits her mom, counselors, and teachers for helping her stay on top of things. “If I ever need help or extra time, they let me come in during WIN time or lunch.”
Jaida’s favorite subject is math, and she names Ms. Dow as her favorite teacher. On the court, she looks up to her mom the most.
“She pushes me to be the best,” Jaida said.
This season, Jaida hopes to grow as both a player and a leader. “I want to learn from the upperclassmen and my coaches and be someone my teammates can count on,” she said.
As for her team, the goal is to win districts and make it back to the state tournament. Before games, Jaida likes to stay calm and focused by listening to music. Her advice to younger players is to never stop working and do all the little things. Looking ahead, she plans to play college volleyball or basketball while earning a business degree. Jaida’s future is as bright as her drive on the court.
