Q&A with Evergreen basketball player Jameson Mott after making 1,000 career points
EVERGREEN, Colo. — The crowd went wild and friends and classmates hoisted homemade signs congratulating Evergreen High School basketball player, Jameson Mott, as she scored her thousandth career point at a girls鈥� varsity game in January. The 17-year-old senior knew she was close, but the news came as a surprise as she looked around the gym and realized she鈥檇 done it. 鈥淚t was a total shock,鈥� Mott recalls. 鈥淭hat was one of the best moments of my life. I have so much support from this community, and it was incredibly special to share that moment with everyone I love.鈥�
We chatted with Mott about her accomplishment and what she鈥檚 looking forward to next as she wraps her final year of high school.
Congratulations on making 1,000 basketball career points! What was that moment like and what does that achievement mean to you?
Jameson Mott: I couldn鈥檛 believe it! At first, I had no idea what was happening. I was overwhelmed with joy as the whole crowd jumped out of their seats, but I immediately found my parents and smiled at my dad, who was anticipating this moment since the beginning of the season — probably since the beginning of my high school career! I鈥檝e never seen him look so proud. That was the moment it finally felt real, and I couldn鈥檛 be more grateful to have the best support system from my family, friends and Evergreen community.
What do you love most about your sport?
Mott: I love my teammates, first and foremost. [They] will always be my favorite part of playing basketball. I鈥檝e met some of my best friends and competitors from all over the state and country and I鈥檒l always cherish these incredible bonds.
What has being a team member taught you?
Mott: Being a great teammate is a really important skill to be successful in a sport. I believe teammates always come first, whether that鈥檚 helping a teammate through a tough practice, picking them up when they fall, encouraging them to be their best or always having an open ear.
What are some of your personal goals or athletic dreams?
Mott: Since I was a little girl, I have admired college athletes. I鈥檝e always dreamed of playing basketball at the collegiate level, and after years of competition and recruitment, I鈥檝e achieved those dreams and will be playing at Gettysburg College.
Describe one of your proudest accomplishments so far.
Mott: One of my proudest accomplishments was when I signed to play for Gettysburg College. Until I started playing basketball at the most competitive level, I never truly understood the work ethic, determination and perseverance it took to be able to play basketball in college. I鈥檝e been practicing with my brother, Jackson, in the EHS gym nearly every day since third grade. Because of him and my family鈥檚 support, I鈥檝e worked hard enough to turn my dream into a reality.
What advice has most helped you get to this point in your career?
Mott: [My dad] has always encouraged me by saying, 鈥淭he only shot that matters is the next one.鈥� It鈥檚 encouraged me to be fearless and focus on the next thing I put my mind to, no matter the outcome.
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