All five freshmen did not know the parts they would play in the team. Different lineups early in the season made it clear that the identity of the team was still not yet discovered.
Early on, Jackson was thrust into an extended role on the team due to the absence of senior Emily Ryan. The first start of Jackson’s collegiate career Nov. 6 was also her first game as Iowa State hosted Butler.
“She got thrown into a really tough spot,” Ryan said. “She handles it so well. That’s the big thing, is she’s so even-keeled. Even if things aren’t going great, she just keeps chugging along and is focused on making the next play. That’s something that shows a lot of maturity for someone so young.”
With Ryan returning midway through the Big 12 slate, the starting five shifted game-to-game to find a lineup that fit.
Toward the end of the regular season, Jackson and Ryan have started together.
Throughout non-conference play, Jackson continued to gain experience and learn the tendencies of her teammates. Her defense quickly became the highlight of her play style and is what she is most proud of in her on-court efforts.
“I knew she’d impact our team, but not like how she is,” Fennelly said. “She’s our best defender, and we’re playing her at different spots.”
Her first breakout game came on the road against Oklahoma State, where she scored her then-season-high 14 points and went 4-of-6 from three. Not only was that game important from a performance standpoint, but Jackson’s family made the trip to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to see her play.
Her family was also in Memphis a few days prior to watch the Iowa State football team play its bowl game at the Liberty Bowl. Before making the trip back to Iowa, they decided to travel over five hours west to see her play.
“It was nice to have them there, especially for my first conference game on the road,” Jackson said. “They try to make it to as many games as possible.”
In games at Hilton Coliseum, Jackson’s family is always there to support her and cheer on the Cyclones. The support the Jackson family has for each other and Iowa State travels across the country is proven by the last-minute decision to travel to Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Jackson’s role in the team has shifted but stayed familiar to the beginning of her freshman year and she said she has seen improvement in herself as the season went on.
“I definitely did not expect to be where I am right now. I think my confidence has grown a lot throughout the season, and I feel like I’m becoming more of an experienced player,” Jackson said.
