UCA Freshman Jenna Cook, who plays point guard for the Sugar Bears women’s basketball team has made a name for herself during her debut season.

Before starting her basketball career at UCA, sports became her passion going back to elementary school in Cabot, Arkansas.

“My first organized games were in the Boys and Girls Club when I was in first grade. My parents put a ball in my hands as soon as I learned to start walking,” Cook said.

Playing Division 1 level college basketball was the main goal for Cook after graduating from Cabot High School.

In Cook’s debut season for the Sugar Bears, she made a huge impact coming off the bench, averaging a field goal percentage of 38%. 

Putting up these types of numbers takes days of practice and hard work for Cook to stay dominant.

“I try to stay multiple days ahead of all of my work so that I always have my assignments done before they are due. The most challenging part for me is balancing all of the priorities that I have in life,” Cook said. 

There are many days of going to games on the road and having to study for the many classes that Cook is taking at UCA. 

The challenges of going to school through the week and having games at night does not get in the way of Cook’s goals that she has set for herself.

“It will take many extra hours, thousands of extra shots, and sometimes training when I don’t feel like it, but all of the time that I put in will be worth it when I accomplish all of my goals. One of those goals is to win three conference championships for my next three years,” Cook said.

Cook has been recognized by her coach Tony Kemper as a “marksman point guard,” who can fit into any great offensive system on a team.

Having family and teammates who are supportive and care is one of the biggest reasons for Cook’s success on the court.

“Most of my motivation comes from me just wanting to be the best I can be at the sport of basketball, but I also get a lot of motivation from my parents and grandparents. My entire family has always supported me and been at almost every game, which makes me want to be the best that I can be for them,” Cook said. 

After Cook graduates from UCA, there are options that are available for her to continue a basketball career overseas or in the WNBA draft.

“I am not sure yet if I will pursue basketball after college, but I might play overseas if I get the opportunity. I also intend on going to physical therapy school after I get my undergraduate degree,” Cook said.