The Purple Aces Remember Jordan Scott
(St. Louis, Mo) — On Sunday, Sept. 6, 19-year-old Jordan Scott passed away in a single-vehicle accident near Boonville, Indiana. Scott had transferred to Evansville after playing one season at Wabash Valley College. Her sister, Jayden, is a freshman on the team.
While the season had not yet begun, the Purple Aces spent the summer training and building chemistry.
Photo courtesy of UE Athletics Facebook
First-year head coach Ben Wierzba told 14 News that the group of eight newcomers and four veterans had quickly become a family.
“Jordan was a meaningful part of the family, and her presence, personality, and spirit made an impact on all of us,” Wierzba said.
Junior guard Avery Kelley described Scott as a selfless leader who brought joy to everyone around her.
At the Missouri Valley Conference March to the Arch Tipoff Media Day, Wierzba told Valley Hoops Insider that the program has leaned on one another while navigating the loss.
Junior guard Kaiden Kreinhagen said, “I think it’s brought us closer because when it happened, we were always with each other 24/7, kind of coping all together.”
As the season approaches, the Purple Aces push forward while honoring the memory of their teammate and friend.
“We’ve had so much more that’s happened within our team,” Wierzba said. “But the resilient part of our team is that they’ve come back every day.”
Evansville will open its season against DePaul in Chicago on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m.
Remembering Scott’s Life and Legacy
Jordan Scott grew up in Newburgh, Indiana, with her father Mario, mother Amy and sister Jayden. She attended Castle High School, where she played four years of varsity basketball.
During her freshman season at Wabash Valley College, Scott started 26 of 27 games and averaged 12.5 points, three assists and 2.3 steals per game.
In the classroom, she was pursuing a degree in business with a minor in sports management.
Photo courtesy of @ueathletics_wbb Instagram
To honor Scott’s memory, the number 24 was painted on UE’s home court at Meeks Family Fieldhouse.
Additionally, the University hosted a candlelit vigil on Thursday, Sept. 10, where Wierzba and Kelley spoke.
The Scott family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Castle High School Girls Basketball, University of Evansville Women’s Basketball, or Wabash Valley College Women’s Basketball.
Twitter Feed
IcYmI: @BradleyUMBB's @BrianMWardle is the new dean of @MVCsports coaches. He's high on his team and feels like they learned a lot during the @SaintLouisMBB exhibition on Friday night. #FatherHarry
After a September tragedy at @UEAthletics_WBB the program, community and fans are rallying to one another's sides. @brooke_highmark tells us all about it. #FatherHarry
We spoke with @BradleyUMBB's @BrianMWardle after the exhibition with @SaintLouisMBB and during the @MVCsports media day. The Valley's new 'dean of coaches' likes his team's potential. #FatherHarry
It's over. @SaintLouisMBB defeats @BradleyUMBB 88-75. Outstanding practice for both teams. I'm told SLU's Jones has been wanting to come back in the game, but @JoshSchertzSLU has held him out.
