In the first in a series of Q&A’s with players on the William Paterson women’s basketball team, Beacon reporter Daniel Karp interviewed sophomore transfer Jada Jacobs. Jacobs played at Georgian Court University in Lakewood for her freshman year and made 10 starts in 20 appearances last season with the Lions. She comes to William Paterson with a deep resume as an all-state performer, a McDonald’s All-American, and a Women in Sports nominee in her senior year of high school. Her addition helps the Pioneers on their push toward the university’s first NJAC championship since 2012.

Name: Jada Jacobs

Number: #0

Year: Sophomore

Major: Health Studies

Hometown: Mount Laurel, NJ

• Coming in as a second-year transfer from another school, what was the main thing that attracted you to William Paterson?

One reason was they had all their seniors and returning players coming back, and that meant the coach wouldn’t be leaving. The basketball community here is great. I was supposed to come here last year as a freshman, and I did not decide to do that, but the coach said that if I ever wanted to come back the door was open. And in February I talked to the coach and decided that this is where I wanted to be.

• What is a family tradition that means a lot to you?

Every Christmas my family has family games, whether it’s flipping a cup as many times and trying to land it or scooping as many cotton balls as you can. And every Christmas we have a theme that you have to dress as. Having that tradition every year means a lot, and I love doing it with my family every year and I am looking forward to doing it again this year.

• What is one piece of technology you can not live without?

I can not live without my camera because it helps capture the moment. I want to use it for when I get older and I might start forgetting things so being able to have all those memories on a device such as a camera is something that I wouldn’t be able to live without so I can relive all my great moments.

• What would be your dream job if you were not an athlete?

A doctor, which is what I am pursuing–a cardiac doctor because in my way it’s just a way to help people. I have heart problems myself and that interested me to learn more about myself and my condition while being able to help other people who go through something similar. I just like knowing that I was the reason to help someone.

• What is a quality trait that you admire in your closest friends?

To be down to do embarrassing things. I feel people are too scared to do things because of what other people think. When people do fun things like that, it’s way better than just sitting in bed. And letting loose are some of the best moments in your life, and I love doing that with my friends. They are moments that I will always cherish.