The Lady Cougars are on a hot streak and have been since their last game against Concordia University over Christmas Break. Now no one ever likes to talk about a lost in any sport. But there is such a thing as a good loss. Before you think I am talking crazy, hear me out. Before that game against Concordia, the Cougars were playing subpar teams. I’m not saying that their opponents were not good.
I’m just saying that the other teams did not have a competitive edge against the Cougars. Concordia University was the Cougars first taste of what post season would look like. It was a lesson for each of the players on the team, especially the freshmen and the transfer players. One of those transfer players is Janie McCloughan coming from the University of Southern Indiana, which is an NCAA Division II school.
McCloughan is a Geneva native coming from Geneva Community High School where she was a part of their basketball program for four years. Janie is a junior and is studying Speech Pathology at Saint Xavier. So far for her career as a Cougar, she had a career high of ten rebounds on February 3rd against Trinity International University.
She is averaging 13 minutes a game and she is shooting 40% from the field. She is a reliable player whenever she gets on the court and she knows how to make plays happen. Not only is she a good player, she is also my roommate and a former rival.
Backstory time: when I was at Saint Joseph’s College, we played against USI. Last year, SJC and USI went into double overtime and I called that game. I remember saying Janie’s name, so when I found out she was going to be my roommate I kind of laughed. She is one of my good friends and I was thrilled when she agreed to do this interview with me.
When I sat down with Janie, I talked to her about her transition from a NCAA Division II Program to an NAIA Program. I also asked her about playing for Saint Xavier and what it is like being a Cougar. Let’s see what this new Cougar had to say!
When did you start playing basketball and why?
I’ve played basketball since I was around 9-10 years old. My siblings and I grew up playing just about every sport there is, but basketball was always a little more special to me because my mom played through college and had a lot of success with it.
Growing up, who was your role model?
I had a lot of amazing people to look up to growing up, and not just in sports. My parents, however, definitely have had the most significant impact on the person I am today. I’ve always had incredibly honest, fun, and trustworthy relationships with them, and am thankful for the ways they always have and always will continue to help me grow.
Did you play any other sports besides basketball?
I was a competitive swimmer, sprinter, and soccer player, while also juggling a lukewarm dedication to volleyball. I swam for 9 years, played soccer for 10, ran track for 6, and played volleyball for 3.
Why did you come to Saint Xavier University?
I transferred from an NCAA division II school in the hopes of finding a better balance in the college world. My previous school, the University of Southern Indiana, had a much more cutthroat and time-consuming schedule that after two years I decided just wasn’t fit for me anymore.
What has your transition to Saint Xavier been like?
Transferring has tested me in more than one way, but overall I’ve tried my best to embrace the differences that I was originally looking for by coming here. It’s hard to start over in the middle of your college career, change your major, and adjust to a whole new team culture, but I know coming here has been a better investment for my future.
What is the biggest difference between NCAA Division II to the NAIA?
The time that goes into basketball. At USI, we had a 3-day lifting schedule per week, with film sessions and mandated individuals with coaches tacked on. We would travel every other week Wednesday through Saturday as well, so to me the most noticeable difference is not spending every waking moment somehow involved with basketball.
What was the most memorable game you’ve played?
My junior year of high school, my basketball team (S/O to Geneva, IL!) made it to state. We were the second team in school history to make it to the IHSA state tournament, so the experience was really exciting and special for our group.
What is your dream career after you graduate?
As a CSD major, I want to become a traveling speech-language pathologist. I think it would be amazing to work in hospitals around the country and to get to see a new corner of the US every few months. Ultimately, my dream is just to help people though, and if I’m doing that, I’ll be honoring what I’ve always dreamed of.
Any hobbies?
I love to write. I have an online blog as well as a poetry collection in the works. I am also very passionate about my summer job, which includes being a boat driver for kids At Castaway Club in northern Minnesota. Castaway is one of the many Young Life camps across the country. Young Life is a Christian organization, which has helped me to grow into the person I truly am/am striving for today. I also enjoy reading, rollerblading, and The Office.
Thanks Janie! Find out who will be the next Cougar Spotlight in the next edition of Athlete Profile!
Christine Manika
Sports Columnist