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Her versatility, not only as a basketball player, but as a leader, a teammate and a person, proved why she was one of the best.
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Jenny Gilbertson is Cotter High School's all-time leader in points, rebounds and blocks and is a Winona Daily News Player of the Year for the third consecutive year. Gilbertson will play basketball next season for Kansas State University.
(Photo by Melissa Carlo/Winona Daily News) |
She finished her Cotter High School career the school leader in points, rebounds and blocks.
For her career, she averaged 15.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 2.3 steals per game.
She led Cotter to a state tournament berth, two conference championships and a 91-21 record over those four years. Next year, she’s headed to Kansas State on a full basketball scholarship, and, for the third consecutive season, the 6-foot-2 forward is the Winona Daily News girls basketball player of the year.
Why did you choose Kansas State?
When I went down there — they hadn’t made the offer yet — but I fell in love with the campus. I felt really comfortable around the (players). The coaching staff seemed like people I could spend a lot of time with.
My first impression of Coach, I saw her coaching, and she is so strong and intense. But you meet her, and she’s this sweet little lady. She’s short. But coaching, she’s different. She’s someone that’s not just a coach. She’s someone that wants to know what goes on in your life. It’s like a whole other family away from home.
You had your colleges narrowed down to New Mexico, Green Bay, San Diego and North Dakota State. What happened? How did Kansas State get you?
I had gone on most of my visits, but hadn’t gotten the feeling that everyone talks about. I loved each place, but I wasn’t set on any. Kansas State started calling and I clicked with the coaching staff. I had one official visit to take, so my mom and I took it, and we really liked it. Then I was hoping to get an offer. I went down and fell in love with it but had no offer. When I got home, I got a call from (coach Deb Patterson). I was in show choir practice on a Monday and you’re not supposed to answer your phone, but I sprinted out of the room to take it.
First, she asked how I was, how school was. My heart was just pumping. Then she started talking and finally said, ‘We’re going to offer you a scholarship to play here.’ Right away I said, ‘I’ll take it!’ and Coach kind of giggled at me. Then I came back into the choir room screaming.
What is your most memorable moment at Cotter in basketball?
My sophomore season, when we beat Rochester Lourdes for the first time, and everyone stormed the court, then later we made it to state for the first time since 2003. Beating Lourdes was indescribable. I remember there was six seconds left and Devin (Bowlin) got the ball and held it. There were three of us screaming and hugging. People were crying. All our friends and family were there.
What has coach Pat Bowlin meant to you?
He’s done so much for me as a person and player. I’ve been blessed to have coaches help, but Mr. Bowlin has worked with me in every aspect of my game. I credit everything of my becoming a player to him.
Both your parents are veterinarians. Will that be your major?
I’m not going to be a vet. I can’t handle the blood and guts. I want to get into public relations or sports broadcasting. But it’s probably bound to change.
What was growing up with veterinarian parents like?
There was one time, it was the middle night, and they were doing a C-section on a dog. My two brothers and I were the utility line, passing the puppies down to each other. Once they’re out, you have to shake them to get them breathing. So, we are all swinging dogs between our legs. Talk about childhood memories, my brothers and I swinging puppies between our legs.
Another time, I was younger, and mom was doing a surgery. I was helping as a receptionist, and had to give her a message. I walk in and the dog is cut wide open. I mean, everything was sticking out, and I was like, ‘OH MY GOSH!’ I had to sit down. I almost passed out.
How nervous are you for next season, going up against other Division I athletes?
It’s more nervous excitement. There are parts where it’s scary, because it’s a huge step up. But all the girls I’ve talked to were in the same position when they came in. It’s scary but I think I can handle it … hopefully. I’ve seen them play a few times. Watching the Big 12 (Conference) tournament, and watching the starting five from each team, they’re obviously a lot stronger and quicker than I am. I’m going to have to work on that before I make a big impact. But playing AAU, you just find a way around it, too. I’m hoping to adjust, so I can stick with them.
What are your expectations for next year? Are you going to be the next Michael Beasley?
Oh yeah, right. I’m sure, I’ll get the pity minutes. (Coach Patterson) said she doesn’t promise playing time, but if you work hard, she said you’d get to play. I’m coming in with three other talented freshmen. They started recruiting me, not because I was great offensively or defensively, but because they liked my competitiveness and how I hustled. Hopefully that carries over to my defense and rebounding.
What’s your favorite aspect of the game?
I love how the momentum and your emotion can change so quickly, and how your team becomes your family. Some of my best friends were teammates I would not have got to know otherwise. Sports really teaches you discipline and develops you as a person, too.
What do you hate about it?
That it’s over. Ha. I don’t know. That there’s practices all the time or a certain drill you have to do all the time. Or the 10 laps we had to do every day before practice.
