Since the first day Kelsey Woodard stepped on the court in a Creighton Bluejays uniform, she made quite a name for herself.
The senior guard for the women’s basketball team has learned a lot about herself in the last four years of playing at the collegiate level.
“The changes I have experienced in my four years have definitely been more mental than physical,” Woodard said.
“I feel like I understand the game better than I ever used to and have a good grasp on how the game should be played.”
Prior to Woodard’s sophomore year at Bellevue West High School, she made a verbal commitment to attend Creighton.
At Bellevue West, Woodard was a McDonald’s All-American nominee, and also made the first-team All-State Class A, after playing as a four-year starter and winning four state titles.
Now the senior guard has assumed a leadership role on a team with a number of new faces. The composition of the team may be a little different, but Woodard enjoys the aspect of growing closer as a team day in and day out.
“Having six new players is bound to change the dynamics of any team, and this team is definitely full of new energy and excitement,” Woodard said.
“We are constantly learning things about each other and grow closer every day, which is fun to be a part of.”
The team may be young and changing, but Woodard’s production has remained constant. This season she leads in points per game, averaging over 13.
She also leads in minutes played with 34 per game, and in free throw percentages, currently shooting 90 percent from the foul line.
Even though she has been taught a lot about the game of basketball during her time at Creighton, she still turns to her father, who remains a constant motivator for Woodard.
“He taught me everything I know about basketball and has always been my rock and the person I look to in good times and bad,” Woodard said.
As the season is past the midway point, the team stands at 15-7, with a 9-2 record in conference, and three straight wins against conference rivals Witchita State University, Southern Illinois University and the University of Evansville.
The Jays currently sit one game behind the University of Northern Iowa for first place in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Under Woodard’s leadership, the No. 2 Jays hope to continue their winning streak in the upcoming weeks before the MVC Tournament, which starts March 10 in St. Charles, Mo.