Jan. 12, 2006
For point guard Brionna Dickerson, her biggest assist this year may be off the court.
Since October, Dickerson has volunteered for JUMP, a mentoring program administered by Richland School District One that pairs adults with kids to give them positive role models. Dickerson’s “teammate” is Janice Smith, an energetic fourth-grader at Watkins-Nance Elementary School in Columbia. Even in a schedule loaded with basketball and Honors College courses, Dickerson has found the time to forge a tight, lasting bond with her buddy.
“I didn’t exactly grow up in the best neighborhood, so I never had somebody that was older that could take me places. Positive reinforcement. That’s what I want to be to her,” Dickerson said.
How Dickerson got involved was a stroke of serendipity. The freshman from Columbia, S.C., was walking past a service fair outside the Russell House when she spotted Angela Wolff, her former volleyball coach at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School. Wolff introduced her to the JUMP program, and Dickerson – well – jumped. A week later, she paired Dickerson with Smith.
“They’ve been in love with each other since their eyes met,” says Maryann Smith, Janice’s mother.
The fact that Dickerson plays basketball for USC, and Smith is a sports junkie with dreams of being a track star, didn’t hurt either.
“That was cool, because we both have something in common,” Janice Smith said.
The JUMP program asks mentors to spend at least an hour per week with their student. By all accounts, one hour seems too little for Dickerson. Since the season started, she has taken Smith to a family barbecue, the movies, the zoo, and a USC game (“I could hear her cheering over everybody,” Dickerson reports). She still has the ornament and card Smith made for her from the JUMP Christmas party. She helps her out with her homework, and calls her regularly.
“I would hate to disappoint her. Even if I feel like I might have 10 or 15 minutes out of my day, I know I should call her, see if she’s okay,” Dickerson said.
According to Wolff, Smith’s teachers have reported her grades and behavior improving since meeting Dickerson. Smith’s mother agrees.
“Her grades are picking up,” Maryann Smith says. “She’s got something to look forward to, someone to tell her troubles to. It’s been very helpful to her.”
If a point guard’s job is to make others better, Dickerson fits the bill – off the court and on.
The Tip Drill – January 11
The Penn Is Mightier: Gamecock great Jocelyn Penn stopped by to say hello at practice Friday.
Flight Fright: Based on anecdotal evidence – and later by her own admission – Stacy Booker wins the award as the most fear-stricken flyer on the Gamecocks.
Same Demographic, Obviously: Our hotel last weekend, the Lexington Hyatt, sits adjacent to Rupp Arena. On Saturday, the arena hosted a monster truck rally. On Sunday, it hosted the Kentucky Bride Bridal Show. Go figure.
