Team Wisconsin Basketball

Congratulations to Jonalyn (Joni) Wittwer of Fall Creek and Team Wisconsin Select Grey on signing her National Letter of Intent to NCAA Division II Metro State University in Denver, Colorado.Metro State is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)

Joni is a 2 time 1st Team All Cloverbelt Conference and a 5th Team All Northwest Wisconsin player.  As a leader of the always strong Fall Creek Crickets, she has been named Team MVP and Team Defensive POY.  The Crickets are currently 8-2 and ranked #3 in WIAA Division 4.

Interview with Joni:

Which school have you decided to attend and why?

I have decided to attend Metro State University of Denver, Colorado. What first lured me to Denver was my family. My aunt, uncle, cousins, and oldest brother all live there, and I have been to Denver multiple times and love it! The campus is right downtown Denver, and is so unique! Although, it is right in the middle of a big city, the campus itself feels very small and welcoming, which I loved! The academic aspect is great, with smaller class sizes, which is important to me. Another huge part of my decision to attend Metro was the coaching staff. All of the coaches are genuine, caring, and are going to push you both on and off the court. Both the coaches and players made me feel that Metro was somewhere I would want to spend the next 4 years of my life. 

What other schools did you consider?

I also considered University of Minnesota-Crookston, University of Minnesota-Duluth, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Missouri Valley State, as well as others. 

What are your goals for the 2014-2015 school season?

My goals for the 2014-2015 school season include, improving my scoring average, improving my 3 point %, helping lead my team to another Conference Championship, as well as a Regional Championship, and ultimately, as everyone's goal is, to make it to Green Bay. 

How long have you played in the Team Wisconsin program?

I've played in the Team Wisconsin program a total of 3 years. 

What were the benefits of playing with Team Wisconsin?

Team Wisconsin helped me receive exposure in front of college coaches, allowed me the opportunity to travel to new places, and I was able to play with other high caliber players, who love basketball as much as I do. 

What was your favorite Team Wisconsin memory/experience (on or off the court) and why?

My favorite Team Wisconsin memory was playing in the fall exposure tournament, because it was my first time back after injuring my ankle during the summer, and cutting my final AAU season short. I was so happy I was able to play with some of my teammates one last time! Plus, I had one of my best shooting days, hitting 4 threes in my first game back! 

What advice do you have for younger basketball players.

My advice would be to continue to work hard now, because it pays off in the long run. All of the long practices, the hated conditioning, the days spent in the gym, some of the things that you may not enjoy at the moment, but will ultimately make you a better player, and give you more of an opportunity as you get older. Through all of this hard work though, don't forget to have fun! Never lose sight of why you play -- because you love the game! 

Congratulations to Joni and the Metro State Roadrunners!