TRIPLE THREAT
Senior Jessica Dow is a rare breed – an athlete that excels in three sports . We caught up with Jessica to learn more about her love of sports and her family ’ s connection to TA athletics .
You ' re a three-sport athlete in an age where specializing in one sport is becoming the norm . Why did you choose the three-sport route ?
I chose the three sport route because three sports makes your life a lot more fun and enjoyable , and busy . Playing three sports has many benefits . Meeting so many new people , and it benefits your physical health because you aren ’ t training your body to do just one sport . Your body is going to be healthier with the more different sports you do . I know a bunch of people who have focused on one sport and have struggled with ongoing injuries due to just playing one sport . The three sport route was something I knew I wanted to be a part of .
Which is your favorite of the three ?
My favorite of the three sports is basketball . For a while , I was very into softball rather than basketball . I played travel softball year-round and basketball . But as soon as I started to travel more with basketball , and see better competition , it made me really enjoy basketball more . I stopped playing travel softball and focused on basketball . I traveled everywhere my Junior year during the summer . Basketball is truly something I can always count on . Basketball has always been something that has come so naturally to me and I enjoy it so much .
You come from a family of Thornton Academy athletes .
My brother Grant ‘ 19 played football and baseball . My sister Samantha ‘ 16 played soccer and track . My mom , Karen ( Grant ) ‘ 87 played field hockey and ran indoor and outdoor track . She was on the first girls indoor track team . My dad , Jack ‘ 86 , played football , basketball , and baseball .
Is that where you learned your love of sports ?
Coming from a family of Thornton Academy Athletics , I always knew that I wanted to be a part of sports . Knowing my mom and dad both played sports at Thornton Academy made me want to have people hear my name too when I got to Thornton Academy . My mom and dad have always been my number one supporters in all the sports I play . My dad is always telling me what to improve on and my mom is truly just being there to lean on . My love for sports started when I was very young .
What are your plans after graduation ?
I ’ m heading to Farmington . I will be playing basketball there . I ’ m planning on majoring in secondary education and minor in coaching . I am very excited for my future . Go Beavs !