Jade Upshaw, a senior guard for UCA’s Women’s Basketball team, reflects on her years as a leader, a Bear, a teammate and a friend.
Growing up in a family filled with coaches and athletes, the game was more than just a pastime — it was a way of life.
“I remember immediately becoming obsessed with shooting and trying to make it from every possible spot on my driveway. I just always loved it,” said Upshaw.
Her biggest inspiration was her older sister, Keana, who introduced Upshaw to the love of basketball.
“Growing up, she was the only person I watched and wanted to be like,” Upshaw said.
With a strong support system and a deep-rooted love for the game, her journey as a basketball player was set in motion from a young age.
Off the court, Jade said she is grateful for the unwavering support of her family.
“The moment my parents saw how passionate I was about the sport,” Upshaw said, “they did everything they could to put me in positions to be seen and to help me accomplish my dreams of playing Division I basketball. My entire family has always been so supportive, and I thank them every day for it.”
Jade’s career has been filled with memorable moments, but one stands out amongst the many. “The most memorable moment in my career so far would probably be when we won and I scored 31 against Lipscomb earlier this year,” Upshaw said. “That win was so fun, and the support from my loved ones and my teammates was unbelievable. I felt so loved and had so much fun doing what I love to do.”
Although her journey has been rewarding, it hasn’t come without its challenges.
One of her biggest obstacles came during her sophomore year at Arkansas State University.
“That was a really hard year for me,” Upshaw said. “I went from playing 18 minutes a game my freshman year to barely over 8 minutes, and some games I didn’t even get to play. It was a very confusing time for me because I knew how good of a player I was, but my head coach who took over after my freshman year had absolutely zero faith in me and my ability to play basketball.”
Despite the disappointment, Upshaw turned to her faith to guide her through.
“My faith is the most important thing in my life, and while it was really hard to understand and trust what God was doing in the moment, I knew He had bigger plans for me, and it would all make sense later at some point,” Upshaw said. “I remained faithful in that and stayed optimistic, knowing that something good was going to come from everything.”
Then Upshaw entered the transfer portal, a move that led her to exactly where she said she was meant to be — Central Arkansas.
“I’m so grateful for Central Arkansas and my head coach,” Upshaw said. “When you have someone who believes in you when you’re in a season where you feel like not many people do, it takes you to another level. Coach Kemper believed in me and helped me flourish in this program, what is made up of so many amazing parts that have made this team so special.”
As a leader on the team, Upshaw embraces the responsibility of setting an example.
“Leadership means a lot,” Upshaw said. “Leadership is an example — encouragement and positivity. There are a lot of different ways a person can lead, but those are the traits I embody on this team.”
With team goals set on a conference championship, Upshaw is determined to help her team achieve what many doubt they can accomplish.
“We have a big group of seniors that want it, and I believe we are so capable of doing what a lot of people don’t think we can accomplish,” Upshaw said. “Personally, I just want to be the best leader, teammate, and player I can be the rest of the way.”
Looking ahead, Jade envisions a future filled with joy and fulfillment.
“In 5 or 10 years, I see myself somewhere doing something I love to do and living life to the fullest. I hope I’m around my friends and family and enjoying the simple things. In 10 years, I hope to have a family and be in a good place financially.”