RamWire: Jacobs Thrives With Chance to Compete
Junior transfer leads Rams in minutes played
Luke Zahlmann
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – There’s something to be said about a player who resembles a nightmare. Opposing teams and their coaches have experienced it firsthand with Colorado State women’s basketball’s Megan Jacobs.
She was raised under the guise of three siblings, two who were older. Her brother, Ben Jacobs, even played for the Carolina Panthers. Anna Jacobs, her older sister, led the way for a possible basketball future. While she played varsity, Megan was playing catch up.
All of the grit Megan shows on the court can all date back to her time with siblings. Playing cards, running home from school and even board games were opportunities to flex her might on those same siblings.
Now, it’s the basketball court. Though her family isn’t on the court anymore, that vigor still remains. It’s what made her a player capable of leading a team after nearly two years without playing time at another program.
“She plays with a little chip on her shoulder,” Colorado State women’s basketball head coach Ryun Williams said. “If that’s used the right way, that’s a benefit to our team. That can become contagious if her chip and her attitude is that of winning – which it has been.”
In the team’s game against Boise State, Jacobs took a hard fall – the type which can silence an entire crowd. After a spirited walk to the bench, and less than a minute of rest, she was right back in the game.
The opposition isn’t going to shake Jacobs. Even if they send her barreling into the floor. Instead of giving up, she simply poured in 18 points and reeled in 10 rebounds for her first double-double effort as a Ram. She’s scored in double figures eight times this year, including each of the past four games.
In her first season as a Ram, she’s one of three players who has started each game, averaging 11.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while dishing out 25 assists – all of which rank third on the team as she has logged more minutes (390) for Williams than anyone.
“I just want to compete,” Megan said. “I’ve had opportunities where I didn’t get the chance to compete, so being at this university and being with these coaches, I bring it every day.”
Megan’s siblings play a role. Her parents, Mark and Beth Jacobs, also play a role. They’re both former law enforcement professionals – the same path she intends to pursue.
Growing up in a strict household laid a framework for excellence. Megan’s pressure on herself was even greater. When her parents sent her to private school, betting on their daughter to pave a future on the hardwood, Megan pushed even harder.
“I just wanted to make them proud and be dedicated to my craft,” Megan said. “They gave me the best opportunity to get a college scholarship, so just knowing the money they put forth was huge.”
The private school experience for Jacobs was unlike many other. Bishop Gorman High School, a private Catholic school in Las Vegas, Nevada, is largely regarding as one of the nation’s top athletic destinations.
Fighting through the competition as a Gael is also a reason Megan’s already taking over for the Rams.
The team’s been without their leading scorer from last year, Lore Devos, since the first game. Tori Williams and Myanne Hamm have also missed time.
In a short period, Megan’s set the tone for those around her. The feat is amplified more given her lack of starting experience at the collegiate level.
“I try not to take anything for granted,” Megan said. “I’ve had my fair share of days on the bench, so when I got this opportunity, I wasn’t going to waste it. We wanna play tough, so me being an upperclassman, I need to bring that persona, and hopefully my teammates will follow.”
The injured standouts for the Rams will soon return. Once they do, there will be a new stalwart alongside them – one the team is hoping can be another key in their Redemption Tour.