Trojan Candy walked down the steep stairs to the Radisson Hotel's 1880 Room. I was early for the 6:30 p.m. dinner, but the room was already full of USC Women of Troy Basketball players, their families, coaching staff, sponsors and fans.
I set my bags down at my table and immediately looked for the four Seniors. Amazingly, in four years I had never interviewed any of the 2017 Seniors.
Sitting at a table near the podium, Trojan Candy saw Senior Courtney Jaco sitting with her family. Step-dad John Turk, Mom Janine Turk, Courtney, and Dad Alex Jaco.
Then, Courtney let me take her picture and interview her. Courtney chose USC because it was local, and it was her "dream school." She told me that her grandmother is not able to travel to games, so she wanted to attend a school close to home. Also, Courtney's step-father John Turk and her step-sister both attended USC. John told me later that he played in the Spirit of Troy when he was a student at USC. Another Trojan Family! On a more personal side, Courtney's favorite food is American hamburgers, and she said that she really enjoys eating period. Her favorite movie is "Love and Basketball" which was filmed at USC. Courtney likes R&B music. After graduation, Courtney told me that she would like to play basketball either in the WNBA or overseas. Congratulations and FIGHT ON, Courtney!
As I just finished interviewing Courtney, Senior Alexis Lloyd walked up to us, hugged Courtney and posed with her.
Now it was time to interview Alexis. Alexis majored in Social Psychology. She said that she chose USC because it was the "perfect place." She wanted to be part of the "Trojan Family." Her favorite food is Soul Food. Alexis, just like Courtney, likes R&B music and any music of the 2000 era. Her favorite television genre is comedy. She likes the "Cleveland Show." For hobbies, Alexis likes to draw, write poetry and connect with as many people as possible. She will attend the Pro-Combine in Dallas after the NCAA's end. Good Luck and FIGHT ON, Alexis!
Two down and two Seniors to go. Trojan Candy couldn't miss her. She is 6'6" tall. She is the tallest player on the team. When I took her picture, I had to hold my camera up above my head. Senior Ivana Jakubcova earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Kentucky, and she earned her Masters Degree in Applied Psychology at USC. Like Courtney, Ivana's favorite movie is "Love and Basketball." Her favorite music artist is Drake. Ivana's favorite food is crepes. When I asked Ivana what her favorite television show is, she said that she likes to look at "Friends" re-runs. She has watched four years of the "Friends" re-runs and intends to view all of the episodes. Ivana told me that she, along with Alexis and Courtney, will be attending the WNBA Combine in Dallas after the NCAA's are done. Good Luck and FIGHT ON, Ivana!
Ivana's friend and teammate Dani Milisic (3/25/2016) came to visit with Ivana, so Trojan Candy took their picture.
Trojan Candy has known the last Senior, Jordan Adams for five years. I can't believe that I had never interviewed her before. Jordan is earning her Masters in Communication Management. She chose USC because "it felt like home, and it was something that I could be a part of." Her mom told her that the school she chooses would be like a marriage you would be in for life. Thank goodness Jordan chose USC! Jordan's favorite movie is not "Love and Basketball" but "Pulp Fiction." She loves Quinton Tarantino. Jordan's favorite music is RAP and Rhythm and Blues. Her favorite food is Mexican food, especially burritos and tacos. Jordan's family didn't come to the banquet, because they were watching her sister Jayda play for Mater Dei in the State Championships. Hopefully, Jordan will be able to play another season at USC. Congratulations and FIGHT ON, Jordan!
Trojan Candy was so lucky to interview all four Seniors. Now it was time to take as many pictures that I could of other teammates and staff.
Next on the program was the Awards Presentation.
Coach Burns introduced seven players and two Student Managers who were inducted into the Women's Basketball Trojan 3.0 Club for their academic achievements.
Assistant Director of Academic Advising Angela Munger-Rivera posed with each student.
The Pac-12 Individual Awards were presented next.
Women of Troy Team Awards were the last awards presented. Congratulations to the three awardees.
Now, it was time for the Seniors to be honored.
What a memorable evening!
FIGHT ON, Women of Troy Basketball!
