Robin Glynn – General Assignment Reporter –
Hard worker, a good player and funny person are some of the qualities Coach Meghan Brown and player Camille Fantini use to describe Freshman Jackie Beathea.
“She is an extremely hard worker,” said Brown, head women’s basketball coach. “She is a joy to coach. She wears her true colors. She is caring, sincere, and great on the floor and with her teammates. She is a joy to have in the program.”
Camille Fantini said Beathea is a good teammate and player.
“She does anything you tell her to,” said Fantini. “She is a good player. She gets a lot of rebounds and points.”
Beathea is a freshman, but began playing basketball a few years ago.
“I began playing basketball in the 10th grade,” said Beathea, who never played basketball before. “I use to be a cheerleader. I wanted to do something new and realized I was good.”
In Oct. 2011, Beathea decided to southern to play basketball at Southern after she watched to team play. She said she like how the team played together and she liked the coaches.
“I figured I play here. I like the togetherness,” said Beathea, who said she also like the outcomes that come with teamwork.
“I have been working hard and it paid off,” said Beathea. “The coaches push me and make me focus.”
In December, Beathea, as well as Jimm Guerrier of men’s indoor track and field, was named Southern Connecticut State University Athlete of the month for December. This is the third time this season Beathea was named player of the week.
“It is especially a big deal for any athlete, especially a freshman,” said Fantini. “All her hard work paid off.”
Brown said this distinction shines a spot to the conference.
“It brings recognition as her being the best freshman in the conference,” said Brown.
Other than being a good player, Fantini said Beathea is a funny person.
“She is a funny person, she listens to others; she is a funny, good, happy person,” said Fantini.
Brown agrees.
“She is fun at practice and at games,” said Brown. “She brings a great attitude and energy.”
According to the Athletic Department, Beathea averaged 17.0 points and 11.8 rebounds a game for the women during the four games played in December. She posted double-doubles in the outings against LeMoyne with 13 points and 16 rebounds and New Haven with 18 points and 17 rebounds.
Last week, the Owls lost to UMass-Lowell, 77-74, but Beathea made 18 points and 16 rebounds, earning her sixth double-double of the season.
This helped SCSU record a 2-2 mark. According to the Athletic Department, Beathea currently ranks among the Division II leaders in double-doubles and is fourth in the Northeast-10 in rebounding and ninth in scoring. She was also named the Northeast-10 Rookie of the Week during the month.
Being a good player, Beathea earned her first career double-double on Nov. 14 in a loss to Adelphi. She earned 15 rebounds to go with the team-high of 20 points.
Beathea was named the Northeast-10 Conference Rookie of the Week for her performance to Adelphi. According to the Athletic Department, she had nine points and nine boards vs. Saint Thomas Aquinas on Nov. 17. Beathea earned her third double-double of the year during a 62-59 loss to Pace on Nov. 28. Beathea, along with senior Moni Smith-Ocran, were tied for twelfth in the nation with four double-doubles.
Beathea earned her fourth double-double on Dec. 8 vs. LeMoyne. Beathea earned a career-high of 17 rebounds and scored 18 points in the win. She lead the owls to a 59-57 win against Dominican with 16 points and eight rebounds. With a 81-62 loss to Saint Rose, Beathea led the Owls with 15 points and nine rebound.
