Throwback Thursday
Aug. 19, 2010
Shelly Canada Jordan (women’s basketball 1994-97)
Was a forward under head coach Marian Washington, suiting up on four-straight NCAA Tournament teams. Jordan played forward for the Jayhawks, owning career averages of 3.8 points and 1.9 rebounds. Jordan played in 119 games at KU, starting 21. Jordan saw her best action during her sophomore season, where she turned in 5.6 points and 2.7 rebounds per game, while shooting 61.2 percent from the field. Jordan was a member of both the final Big 8 Championship and the inaugural Big 12 Championship teams from Kansas. Additionally, she played on the first-ever KU team to advance to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 1996. Jordan currently resides in Eugene, Ore., with her husband Reggie and daughters Emma and Avery. The Jordans also serve as guardians for their niece Shimea.
At what age did you begin playing basketball and how did you get started?
I started playing organized basketball in the fourth grade at school, but I started playing in the driveway with my sisters about the time I learned to walk.
At that time did you have any idea you would go on to earn a college scholarship for hoops?
No not at all. Probably around 8th grade the high school coach started talking to me about it and I became focused on it as a goal. I definitely took it a lot more seriously then and fortunately I was able to pursue and achieve that dream by playing for Kansas.
What factors led to you choosing KU?
I liked the idea of playing in the Big 8. Since I was from Oklahoma, I could still be close to home but at the same time get a little away from my comfort zone. Kansas was definitely a nationally recognized program at the time and after talking to Coach Washington and going on my recruiting visit, there was no question it was the right place for me.
Can you talk about the adjustments to playing college basketball after competing in 6-on-6 basketball in high school?
It was a huge adjustment. I had played AAU basketball in the summers from eighth grade on so I had some experience with the 5-on-5 full court game. I had trained strictly as an offensive player in junior high and high school, so playing full court at a very high level and playing defense was certainly an adjustment. It was also an exciting time. I got to learn a new twist on a game I had been playing for many years. It was almost a new sport for me!
What is your current job and how long have you been there?
I am the General Sales Manager of IMG College at the University of Oregon Athletic Department. I have been here for 12 years, since graduation from KU. I oversee/manage all aspects of corporate sponsorship sales at Oregon.
How do you think having been a college athlete helps you in your current position?
Being an athlete of any type teaches you great teamwork and the ability to work with all types of people in order to accomplish all types of tasks. I think having been an athlete I am more driven in every thing I do. I learned the value of hard work and how it pays off. As an athlete everything you do is designed to reach goals. It was a great life experience. I got a chance to meet so many people from diverse backgrounds. The travel exposed me to different things, it was an education all of its own.
Since your husband was a big football star at Oregon, will your kids grow up to be Ducks or Jayhawks?
My husband, Reggie Jordan (linebacker 1993-96), and I have a come to a compromise. We call them Jayducks!!! Our daughters (niece Shimea 20, Emma 5, Avery 3) cheer for both teams and have plenty of Jayhawk gear, but since we live in Eugene they definitely also love the Ducks!
Have you had a chance to see the upgraded/new facilities for basketball at KU?
I have not, but I look forward to it! I have heard many wonderful things about the practice facility and the lockerroom upgrades. I cannot wait to get back and check it all out.
What is your fondest playing memory from your days at KU?
There are so many to choose from. I would say one of my greatest memories and most exciting games as a player was beating Texas to go to the Sweet 16 my junior season (1996). It was KU’s first time advancing to the Sweet 16 and it was an amazing experience. Also winning that game in Allen Fieldhouse made it even more special. Another game I have to mention is Senior Night in Allen Fieldhouse. It was very emotional and a night I will never forget.
Do you still keep in touch with any of your former teammates/coaches at KU?
Absolutely. I follow the current team online. I am on kuathletics.com regularly! I also receive correspondence from the women’s basketball office and that really helps me stay in tune with what is going on in the program. As far as my former teammates, there are many I am in contact with on the phone and who I try to visit occasionally. Others I stay in touch with via email and facebook and I happen to have one as a coworker in the UO athletic department. Jennifer Jackson (1998-01) works in Academic Services in the Oregon Athletics Department and we get to see her regularly!
Attention former Jayhawk student-athletes! Let us know what you’ve been up to. Send an email to Katy Lonergan (katyl@ku.edu). We’d love to hear from you.
