Schott’s leadership has helped TCNJ to 5-game winning streak
When a team goes through a coaching change the one thing that makes the transition a lot easier is some senior leadership.
One of those that stepped up when Chessie Jackson took over for Dawn Henderson at The College of New Jersey was Nikki Schott.
“When Coach Henderson stepped down last year we were all sad as she did a great job of building this program and improving each one of us individually,” said Schott, a senior. “When Coach Jackson stepped in she was the one that rallied this team to compete every day in practice to get better.”
Schott is coming off a career high 20-point performance against Ramapo and she’ll be in the lineup when the Lions (10-3, 5-1 NJAC) put their five-game winning streak on the line against Rutgers-Newark (6-8. 1-6 NJAC) on Wednesday in Packer Hall.
“I have been working on my confidence and finishing around the rim more,” said Schott. “So, I have become more comfortable in my game recently.”
There was a time though that Schott wasn’t sure basketball was her game.
A talented field hockey player in a very successful Warren Hills program she gave playing on the pitch instead of the court some thought. Basketball won out as Schott felt the seasons overlapped too much and besides her sisters played field hockey in college and she wanted her own experience.
Certainly, the TCNJ coaches are glad she chose hoops over hockey.
After the Lions face the Scarlet Raptors there an NJAC showdown on Saturday with league leading and No. 25 ranked Montclair State (12-1, 7-0 NJAC).
“It’s imperative that we remain focused on Rutgers-Newark,” said Jackson, the first-year coach. “We have been focused on becoming more and more process oriented as a team. So, overlooking any team would be completely against what we do. Of course, Saturday’s game is in the back of our mind because this is a competitive group that wants to prove themselves.”
While Schott’s competitive drive has her looking forward to Montclair there’s also another event that is on her mind too.
“My mom had Multiple Sclerosis and every year my team and family do a Mud Run called MuckFest MS and we will have a game soon to raise money for it,” said Schott. “Not sure of the game yet, but I’m looking forward to it.”
No doubt a game that has a lot more heartfelt meaning then the NJAC matchups.
Being a senior Schott has some hopes and dreams as to how she’d like to see her final season end.
“My hope is to have fun number one,” said Schott. “I want to be a good leader and a role model for the rest of the team. Winning the NJAC has always been a goal of mine and to do it would be incredible.”