By Ken Hansard
Jordyn Koontz, a senior forward for the Lansing Lions, comes by her skills and her love for basketball naturally. She grew up around the game, watching her father coach high school basketball.
Watching her father also meant growing up around the players and learning the game at a young age, which certainly paid dividends, “As a freshman, I earned solid varsity minutes and lettered, which was a big accomplishment for me at that age.” Koontz used that experience as a springboard and was named All-Conference in both her sophomore and junior years. As a junior, Koontz averaged 10.6 points per game, nearly six rebounds, and 3 steals. She hopes to repeat and exceed that success as a senior.
As a fourth-year player, Jordyn realizes that it is incumbent upon her to model and pass along the Lions’ culture, “I see my role on the team as a leader, a scorer, and a mentor to the younger players. I want to set a good example through my work ethic, energy, and attitude, both on and off the court. Being a role model for the younger players is important to me because I want to help build their confidence and set the tone for the future of the program.”
That dedication to leadership will be even more vital this season, as the Lions will likely send a young lineup out on the court most nights. “We don’t have a lot of experience. We’re a younger group with only two seniors, so we’re still learning how to play together and stay consistent. It’s a challenge, but it also gives us a chance to grow and build for the future. I am excited to grow as a player and build team chemistry with the younger players. I’m looking forward to competing and making memories in my final season!”
Jordyn is also a four-year starter in softball for the Lions. She has been all-conference in every season and additionally has been named to the Sports in Kansas All-State Team. She carries a 3.8 GPA and is the Vice President of Puzzle Club (an autism awareness club).
After high school, Jordyn would like to play softball collegiately and major in Exercise Science.
