It’s no secret; Paul Westhead likes to score points. Throughout his coaching career that has spanned the NBA, WNBA, and now the NCAA, one constant in Westhead’s method of coaching is the importance of getting up and down the court and scoring effectively.
In order for this run-and-gun style of basketball to lead to victories there are several key components that must be present, namely players who are excellent shooters.
Entering his fourth season at the helm of the women’s basketball program, Paul Westhead has that shooter — and she’s a good one.
Entering her sophomore season, Jordan Loera, the 5-foot-9 sophomore guard from Moses Lake, Wash., already has some lofty accolades under her belt.
Last year as a true freshman, Loera led the squad with 45 three-pointers that broke Oregon’s freshman record of 39 which was previously held by Taylor Lilley. Loera also became the first Duck freshman to lead the team in three-pointers since the 2006-07 season.
As impressive and successful as her freshman campaign was, the road to collegiate basketball has not been an easy one for Loera. Prior to her arrival in Eugene, she tore the lateral collateral ligament in her left knee and was unable to participate in preseason activities.
Not only is Loera sharp and successful on the hardwood, she carries that intensity and competitive demeanor into the classroom.
At Moses Lake High School she was a four-year honor roll student and also a four-year member of the National Honor Society. In her four years playing at Moses Lake, Loera definitely left her mark. Not only is she the career leader in points, assists and steals for the Chiefs, she was an all-league selection in soccer as a freshman and also competed in the district regionals in track and field.
Loera’s balanced and interesting life transcends her career as an athlete as well. Not only is she an academic standout and an incredibly gifted athlete, she is quite the accomplished outdoors-woman. Loera feels at home among Mother Nature and, growing up, her family participated in an array of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing and camping.
A love of the outdoors is not the only thing that Loera family has in common. Jordan’s mother Lori is a former Oregon basketball player herself and played at for the Ducks from 1983-84.
This upcoming season, Paul Westhead is expecting big things from his shooting guard and backup point guard, and just like everything else in her life, Jordan Loera is ready to take aim.