Jacques hopes to keep team pointed forward

By Hilary Strickland, Online Forty-Niner

Wednesday, November 18, 1998

For the second time in the program's history, the Long Beach State women's basketball team will be returning all five starters from its 1997-98 team.

Mandy Jacques is looking forward to reclaiming her starting position as guard on the women's basketball team. Last season Jacques played in 19 games, 14 of which she started. Jacques had two or more steals in nine games, and she came down with at least three rebounds in six games.

Jacques has been playing basketball since the age of 12. While basketball does play a major role in her life, it is just a facet.

Mandy Jacques was born on April 2, in Auburn, Wash., and is the middle child with an older and a younger sister. From Auburn, she traveled to Idaho where she played basketball at North Idaho Junior College before coming to play for LBSU.

Jacques says she really misses the scenery and serenity she gave up to come to Southern California.

"Long Beach is so loud and dirty," the 5-foot 6-inch guard said, "There's no place for me to go mountain biking around here."

In addition to mountain biking and basketball, Jacques loves the arts. Not only can she appreciate the beauty in another artists' work, but Jacques also enjoys creating her own work and paints when she gets the time.

As far as her athletic eligibility in concerned, Jacques is a senior and this is her last year to play basketball. In the fall semester Jacques will return to complete her degree in business with a concentration in marketing.

Jacques does not have aspirations to play professional basketball after graduation, but she does have an opinion concerning the WNBA.

"I think it's great that women are finally getting the opportunity to play professional basketball," she said, "It gives young players a goal to work for."

Once she has graduated Jacques has made plans to travel extensively. After saving for long time, she is taking a trip around the world and will be making stops on each continent.

"I'm really excited, I will be going to Australia, Africa, Europe and all kinds of other places," she said.

Since school and basketball demand so much of Jacques' time and energy, she does not work during the semester.

Jacques has two roommates who are also athletes. She lives with a water polo player and a member of the track and field team.