By Rachelle Strelezki (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: May 21, 2014
Jasper Moedt, a spokesperson for UFV’s athletic excellence, has, after some deliberation, decided to stay at UFV for his last year of eligibility in his basketball career. It is his passion for basketball that brings him back for his final season as a varsity athlete.
As he enters this upcoming season the team will experience some changes in the form of a new schedule and at least one new starter, but with Moedt on the roster, the team will make a strong challenge for playoff contention. The Cascade talked to Moedt about what went into this decision, which comes after a season that ended in a difficult playoff exit.
Why did you choose to focus on basketball instead of other areas of your life this upcoming season?
I realized it would be the last time I would be a basketball player in my life. I was definitely looking forward to other things in my life like applying for a master’s program, working, and focusing on family and other relationships. But I know that you only get one shot to be a young athlete, so that was a motivating factor for me.
What led you to the decision to come back for another season?
I think it was a good situation basketball-wise. I think the biggest factor was that I didn’t get injured last season. It has been my first season since my rookie year that I didn’t get some sort of injury. Obviously, I also liked my teammates and my coach. Lastly, the realization that this would be the last chance to play basketball in my life was also a big factor.
How has summer training been going?
It has been good. I would say this year has been a lot better than last year. I know Adam and my teammates a lot better this year. I also know what exactly I need to be doing for training this summer. It allows me to be more relaxed.
How do you see your role on the team?
I think that there will be a certain amount of leadership because I will definitely have the longest tenure on the team. I think that there are going to be a lot of guys that are going to be our star players. I think my job is going to keep us moving in the right direction and give us a little perspective on the ins and outs of the league.
This upcoming year is the first year where UFV is under a new division alignment. How is your outlook on this upcoming season in the new division?
It is definitely not positive, that’s for sure. I am not a fan of it at all. I think it is just discrimination and pretty much institutional bullying. Our competition won’t be as good, but that’s not to say that the teams we are playing are bad teams. We just won’t get to play those powerhouse teams that are high quality competition every year. It does not help us progress throughout the season or improve our chances at nationals. But at the same time we will still have to play the same teams at playoffs. We need to keep our focus and understand that we have to get better as a group — this is the most important thing [we can do].
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
