Jordan Sullivan and her mother, Sandy, share a moment off the basketball court where Jordan feels is the most beautiful part of the University of Montana campus in Missoula. Photo submitted by Jordan Sullivan.
Until a couple months ago, Sidney High School alumnus Jordan Sullivan was beginning her first year as a graduate law student at University of Montana, having recently returned from a professional basketball stint in Luxembourg.
Then, she received a proposal that she could not refuse. Lady Griz head coach Shannon Schweyen offered Sullivan the position as Director of Basketball Administration.
"One Thursday going into the weekend I got offered this job and I was full swing into law school," Sullivan said. "Then, by the end of that weekend, I had switched my mind."
While Sullivan said leaving law school was a difficult decision, she deemed it the right choice in the end.
"I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to see if this is really something I want to pursue as a career, and to have that opportunity at the school that I went to in this town that I love to be in, I had to go for it," she said. "It's been really good so far. I love every day going in to work, even getting up at 5 am for practice. It doesn't really feel like work."
The job allows her a voice in coaching, and she is on the bench during games and supports the team during every practice.
Sullivan did not get this far out of sheer luck. To call her a decorated academic and athletic star is befitting; she graduated University of Montana in 2014 with a 3.89 GPA and a marketing degree, her name having made the Dean's list eight times. She was voted most inspirational player on the Lady Griz basketball team and received the 2014 Little Sullivan award, which is given to one outstanding athlete in Montana every year. During her four years at University of Montana, Sullivan helped the Lady Griz win 81 games and move on to three national tournaments. That only covers college.
Upon graduating University of Montana, Sullivan played professional basketball in Denmark and Luxembourg as well as being selected for a two-week basketball tour in China. She returned to Missoula out of love for her home state and a desire to pursue her education.
At Sidney High School, Sullivan was selected to play on the all-state team all four years, and she holds the scoring and rebounding record. She helped the Eagles go to the state tournament during her senior year in 2010, where they lost the championship – still a major accomplishment.
Basketball has always captivated her active spirit.
"There are pictures of me holding a basketball when I was three years old," Sullivan said. "It was the only thing I knew."
Wherever she may end up next is sure to bring another victory, but she will not forget Sidney's impact on her.
"Every time I talk about Sidney, I'm reminded of how it's a great spot to grow up with all the super community support," Sullivan said. "I've always truly appreciated that."
Sullivan added that she wishes the Sidney Eagles the best of luck.
"I really hope both the boys and girls have great basketball seasons."
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