Jordan Sullivan, An Eagle, A Griz, And Now A Ute

"It's unreal to sit here as I work on scouting and realize that we are one win away from the elite 8!  We are in the top 16!!" said Sidney native, Jordan Sullivan.

Jordan graduated in 2010 from Sidney High School.  During her days at SHS, Jordan was homecoming queen, Richland County female athlete of the year, an all-state basketball player all four years of high school, and the 2010 valedictorian.

From there, Jordan played in Denmark for a season and also played international basketball in China. Many readers will recognize the Sullivan name. She has been living and breathing basketball since she was little.

Sullivan's mother, Sandy, is currently in her 41st year of teaching.  She is a Sidney Middle School english teacher. Sandy has also coached for more years that she can recall. She has taught the fundamentals of basketball to so many Sidney students that the ripple effects of the knowledge she passed on now reach March Madness!

Current SHS boys' varsity basketball coach Chad Quilling said, "Sandy is a vital coach who has taught the fundamentals of basketball to so many Sidney Youth." Jordan's father, Rollie Sullivan is in the Montana Coaches Hall of Fame.

 All Sidney High School graduates recognize the quote, "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle".  Jordan is a great example.  "I'm anxious to keep that Eagle spirit soaring as I step foot onto the court for our next game.  I'm so proud to have been an Eagle, a Griz, and now a Ute!" said Jordan.  She was very appreciative to hear about the support from her home town.  "I'm so thankful to be from a community that cares.  Thank you for reaching out."

Jordan is thankful that she is currently able to make basketball her career.  She  went from the Eagle court in high school, to playing four years at the University of Montana as a Griz, to being the Director of operations (one year), assistant coach (three years), and recruiting coordinator (two years) all at University of Montana, Missoula.

This is her first year as assistant coach for the Utah Utes and her 7th year in college coaching. Sullivan is very grateful to the multiple coaches that have taken a chance on her and welcomed her into their coaching staff.  "Our head coach has done a great job by treating and preparing for March Madness like any other game or tournament of our season.  She has been consistent with her approach to each game." explained Jordan.  When asked if there were any down falls to being a college coach, Jordan explained that because of her coaching schedule she hasn't been able to get back home to Sidney for a year and a half.  "It's an amazing job, I'm disappointed that due to collegiate rules, I can't put on any basketball clinics or summer camps and I can't play in alumni games."

When I caught up with Mom, (Sandy Sullivan), I asked her if they were heading to the March Madness tournament.  "My kids and I will go if the Utes make the Final 4.  LSU is beatable, but whoever wins will need the stars aligned perfectly on Friday night," said Sandy.  "It's so hard for me to watch. The last game, when Princeton got within two points, I took my car to the car wash and started scrubbing. I went back home with a minute to go and held my breath."

Unfortunately, the Utes lost out of the March Madness tournament on Friday night, but memories were made that will last a lifetime.