Scott BresslerTHE BASICS
Name: Jenny Southworth
Year: Senior
Sports: Basketball, Soccer
Very rarely, even at the Division III level, do athletes compete in two intercollegiate sports. Meet Jenny Southworth, a senior on the women’s basketball team, who is an exception to this rule.
When Southworth first decided to come to Washington University five years ago, she had yet to decide if she wanted to play soccer or basketball at the collegiate level. She knew that she wanted to play one sport in college; she went on to excel at both.
“I never thought about playing both,” she said. “I did not think it was possible. Basketball had such a long season, and I wanted to have a life outside of sports.”
Before she officially enrolled at Wash. U., Southworth had established contact with both Nancy Fahey, head coach of the women’s basketball team and Wendy Dillinger, the women’s soccer head coach. Both coaches proved to be incredibly understanding of her situation.
During her freshman year, Southworth decided to play soccer. She had a successful season, appearing in all 20 games the team played that year, and starting in four. She also scored four goals, one of which was a game winner, putting her fifth on the points list for the team in her rookie campaign. After her solid freshman season, her playing time and role on the team seemed destined to increase over the next three years.
The summer before her sophomore year, Southworth made a decision that would affect the rest of her athletic career on the Danforth Campus. She decided it was time to switch to basketball.
“I loved everything about soccer,” she said. “But I missed basketball so much more. I have never once regretted my decision to change sports.”
Although the initial transition proved difficult for Southworth, the Springfield, Illinois native would ultimately excel on the basketball court. Since her switch, she has appeared in every basketball game the women’s team has played and has started every game of her senior season. This season has truly been a breakthrough year for Southworth, as she was named a captain and scored a career-high 14 points against Blackburn College in November.
Over her three years playing basketball, Southworth has become an integral part of the team.
“Regardless of what sport (Southworth) plays, she brings a unique and special intensity and passion to the court or field. Her work ethic and leadership are respected by both teammates and coaches. I am glad I have had the opportunity to coach her for three years,” said Fahey.
Although she knew that she never wanted to play both sports at the varsity level, she has found a way to mix the two over her time as a Bear. During her freshman year, she played a lot of pick-up basketball and now often conditions for basketball season by playing soccer.
With only one regular-season game remaining in her Wash. U. career, Southworth knows that she has found something special in both of her athletic experiences at the University.
“All of the women’s teams on this campus are incredibly close,” she said. “They really become your second family.”