A. Gary Anderson
Graduate School of Management

Bouncing Back

Resilience and the value of dedication have helped Jordan Webster to overcome setbacks and challenges
By Jordan Cornet for UCR Magazine |
Jordan Webster, UCR Magazine profile

Jordan Webster has always considered basketball a crucial part of her life. Growing up, the sport was never far from her mind, as she was deeply influenced by her family’s basketball legacy. Her father and brother both played the game, and following in their footsteps felt natural. From the time she first picked up a ball as a young girl, basketball has shaped the way she views the world. It taught her discipline, commitment, and most importantly, the value of working as part of a team toward a common goal. These lessons have stayed with her both on and off the court.

Her journey has not been without adversity. During high school and her second year of college, Webster sustained significant injuries that tested her determination and mental strength. Between two hip surgeries and two foot surgeries, she was forced to sit out for long stretches of multiple seasons. For many athletes, such setbacks can signal the end of a career, but for Webster, they became moments of reflection and renewed purpose. She has said that each challenge deepened her appreciation for the game, reminding her how much she loved simply being able to play. Every return to the court was a victory in itself, proof of her resilience and unwillingness to let obstacles define her story.

Webster’s persistence culminated in an impressive final season as a Highlander. Earlier this year, she was recognized twice as Big West Player of the Week, reflecting her impact and consistency on the court. She also led The Big West in scoring average, demonstrating her offensive power and reliability as a leader. Perhaps most significantly, she reached a personal and program milestone by becoming the 20th player in UC Riverside history to join the 1,000-point club. Her career total of 1,257 points places her among the school’s most accomplished athletes, cementing her legacy in Highlander basketball.

Originally from Dallas, Texas, Webster has always balanced her athletic achievements with her academic pursuits. She is completing a bachelor’s degree in business management at UC Riverside, a field of study that complements her long-term goals. Webster hopes to translate her education, leadership experience, and years of competitive basketball into a career in player relations with the NBA. She believes her unique perspective as a Division 1 athlete will allow her to connect with players on a deeper level, providing empathy, understanding, and insight into the demands of the game. For her, player relations is more than a professional aspiration—it is an opportunity to continue shaping the culture of basketball, supporting athletes as whole individuals both on and off the court.

As she reflects on her journey, Webster also offers advice to the next generation of young women who dream of playing Division 1 basketball. Her message is clear: success is rooted in balance, perseverance, and determination. She emphasizes that while talent and hard work are essential, resilience in the face of adversity is equally important. Overcoming her own challenges has given her a deeper appreciation for the process, teaching her patience and helping her discover her own strengths. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that setbacks do not define an athlete—they reveal their character and capacity to endure.

 

JORDAN WEBSTER

YEAR
SENIOR

MAJOR
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

POSITION
GUARD

HIGHLIGHTS (2023-24)
  • Reached 1,000 career points in January
  • All-Big West First Team
  • Two-time, back-to-back Big West Player of the Week
  • Led The Big West in scoring average at 16.9 points per game
  • Started all 32 games played, averaging 17.1 points per game
  • 31-point career high game vs. CSU Bakersfield on Jan. 18

 

"The sense of achievement and gratitude I feel now is immense, making every moment of struggle and every step of the comeback incredibly rewarding.”

 

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UCR Magazine