New Hope senior Jenna Tripp recently signed to continue playing basketball at Ohio Christian University, an NAIA institution. Tripp is a second-team All-Pickaway County player over the course of her prep career.
Question: Talk to us about the recruiting process that you went through, how many schools that you looked at and what made Ohio Christian the right fit for you?
Answer: I only seriously considered a few schools before deciding on OCU. Of course, my parents and God helped me through the process to what best suited me. I built a really good relationship with the coaching staff at OCU. I felt like I was a priority in the recruitment process and the communication was better there than at some of the other schools.
Question: What would you like to major in at OCU?
Answer: My goal is to one day become a college basketball coach so I will be majoring in Sports Management. I feel that the Sports Management program at OCU is good and look forward to learning the things I need to be successful one day in the athletic field.
Question: What has led to your success in basketball? What are your strengths as an athlete and what are a few areas you’ve had to work at the hardest to improve?
Answer: I have been privileged and blessed to have a lot of coaches that have invested in me over the years from Dave Christensen in middle school to Brian McCallister in high school. My summer AAU coaches have contributed to my success and Ron Tuck Connor has been one of my greatest supporters. A lot of the credit goes to my dad for encouraging me during my home
workouts and helping me get on solid AAU teams and into some fall leagues to improve my game. My mom and my two older brothers have also been a big encouragement to me over the years. I have a strong work ethic; I feel like I am a good shooter and I have a high basketball IQ. Some of the areas that I have worked hard to improve is being mentally tough and improving my speed and quickness.
Question: What does your workout routine look like to work on your craft?
Answer: My workouts in the offseason consisted of running, lifting and I put up at least 1,000 shots a week. I went to every clinic, and camp, and worked with instructors and trainers to help me become a better basketball player. In season, I continued working outside of practice by putting up an additional 500 shots a week and running and lifting on my own.
Question: What are some memories from playing at New Hope over the last four years that you will treasure for years to come?
Answer: Some of my favorite memories came from the summer camps that we went to and the out-of-state tournaments that gave us a chance to know each other outside of basketball. I will never forget running through the halls of the hotels, the long bus rides or just hanging out in the pool. I loved getting to be able to play with my best friend, Maren McCallister for the past 8 years and creating new friendships with other seniors like Eden Leist and Ivy Hines over the years.
Question: Is there a basketball player that you look up to and try to emulate?
Answer: I have been following Hailey Van Lith from the University of Louisville since she was in High School. I love how she plays with a high motor, relentless! I also admire the ability she has to create her own shot. She has really stepped up as a leader since she first came into Louisville and how she always stays level-headed in emotional games.
Question: Favorite meal?
Answer: Chicken Tenders and Fries
Question: Favorite place to eat out at?
Answer: Chipotle
Question: Favorite store to shop at?
Answer: American Eagle
Question: Favorite musical group or genre?
Answer: The Beatles and Dolly Parton
Question: Favorite movie?
Answer: Let it Shine
Question: Hobbies?
Answer: I love to read, paint and play cornhole
Question: Favorite holiday?
Answer: Thanksgiving, because it gives me a chance to eat some good food and visit with family I don’t get to see as often.
Question: What is your most valuable possession?
Answer: My dogs, Dexter and Paxton.
Question: Something that no one knows about you?
Answer: I love to juggle.
Question: What is the best vacation you’ve ever been on in your life?
Answer: The best vacation I have ever had was when my family and I went to Boston and New York City.
Question: Favorite memory from the Circleville Pumpkin Show?
Answer: I have a lot of favorite memories from Pumpkin Show but one of them is walking around, working in the Heritage Naz booth, and parking cars with my friends.
Question: What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now and living if life goes as you intend?
Answer: In 10 years, I hope I’ve established myself in the coaching field and hope to have a head coaching position. I desire to use my gifts, abilities, and love for the game to impact others to remember that it is more than just a game. I hope to be able to share my faith in Christ using the platform I have to be able to point others to God.
