Continuing our conversations with volunteers, employees and guests of honor who are passionate about Hooplandia, our Hoop Scoop writer interviewed Jessica “Jess” Gardner, a fifth-year student at Westfield State University (WSU) who has left her mark on the event through her commitment and vigor.
Gardner, of Webster, Mass., is an accomplished student athlete in her senior year at WSU. She has been recognized for academic excellence on the WSU Dean’s List, commended as Residential Assistant of the Year, elected to the Ed Hockenbury Sr. All-Tournament Team for Norwich University and inducted into Chi Alpha Sigma (ΧΑΣ) National College Athlete Honor Society for excellence in the classroom and on the court.
Gardner feels that she owes her collegiate basketball career to her mother. “My basketball story begins in 4th grade,” she said. “My father passed when I was very young, so I never really got the exposure to sports I could have at a younger age. I remember watching a girls’ practice in middle school and I told my mom I wanted to try out. She was all for it, and it was history from there! Without the support of my mom and her willingness to grow and learn with me, I would not be where I am today.”
She was first introduced to Hooplandia through WSU. Gardner shared, “My sophomore year, I started to get more involved at the university. I became a residential assistant, an orientation leader and a tour guide.” Through all these leadership positions, I connected with marketing on many occasions,” she said. At that time, Greg Sanocki was working on WSU’s marketing team. Sanocki later joined marketing at ESE and recruited Gardner for the Hooplandia Street Team soon after.
“[Greg] reached out to me to get involved with Hooplandia, which is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had,” Gardner stated.
“My absolute favorite part of volunteering is getting to meet new people and watching those people have fun. Being able to recruit younger and older players to join this celebration of basketball is such a blessing, especially as my competitive career comes to an end. Doing so helps me spread the love and joy that I have for this sport to others.”
When asked what part of Hooplandia’s mission resonates with her most, Gardner said, “The celebration of the spirit of basketball. There have been many times throughout my career as a student athlete that I have lost my way in the sport or put too much pressure on myself. Where I am from, we didn’t have events like this that help bring the fun back to the sport or even bring you back to your ‘why.’
“Hooplandia celebrates this spirit at all different levels, ranging from young ages all the way to veterans and elders. It is a beautiful tradition that brings people together,” concluded Gardner.