Berry returns to court after English sojourn

Berry, a point guard on the women’s basketball team, studied abroad in London during the fall 2007 semester before making a successful return to the team in late December. Berry studied English and creative writing at Goldsmiths College at the University of London, one of England’s premier institutions specializing in creative and cultural disciplines.

While lesser athletes would have wilted during their time away from the court, Berry has seamlessly integrated herself into first-year head coach Courtney Banghart’s system, adding depth and versatility for the Tigers. Berry’s smooth transition was propelled by her love for basketball — a game she has been playing since second grade.

“I just wanted to come back,” Berry said. “I missed the game, missed competing, missed my teammates and the joy of being a college athlete.”

Berry’s return was also aided by the warm reception she received from her teammates. The Tigers were able to smoothly reincorporate the five-foot, seven-inch point guard in the rotation, largely because of the team’s veteran leadership.

“My teammates were incredibly supportive when I came back,” Berry said. “That’s a testament to the fact that we have three great captains. I think a team that has great leadership tends not to suffer from communication issues.”

Banghart reiterated the importance of the team’s excellent communication to facilitating Berry’s return to the court.

“The fact that the team has incorporated Jess back into the fold so quickly is a direct compliment to the character and cohesiveness of our team,” Banghart said. “I’m so proud of how our current players have welcomed her back aboard, leaving behind any bad feelings that existed last year. It also speaks to Jess’ talent, love of the game and competitive nature.”

That competitive nature has been readily apparent in Princeton’s Ivy League season. Berry has started all five of the Tigers’ conference games to date, scoring in double figures in four. The junior’s successful return to the team was exemplified by her performance in the Ivy League opener against Penn.

After seeing limited playing time in the team’s final non-conference games, Berry played 37 minutes against the Quakers, scoring 12 points and knocking down two three-pointers to key Princeton’s 69-57 win. Her performance was especially impressive considering Berry only returned to the team on Dec. 26, less than three weeks before the Tigers’ conference opener.

Since the Penn game, Berry has continued to sparkle for Princeton, adding depth, skill and experience to a team that was without a standout point guard at the season’s outset. In addition to her statistical contributions to the team, Berry’s presence and competitive nature have helped raise the playing level of the team’s other point guards.

“Jess has added depth and versatility to our team,” Banghart said. “Her arrival has pushed the other guards to a higher level as well, as both [sophomore guard] Tani Brown and [freshman guard] Krystal Hill are playing their best basketball of the year.”

Berry said she feels extremely fortunate for the opportunity to return to the team after her exciting experience abroad. The junior also credits her semester in London with reaffirming her passion for playing basketball.

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“I got to do some amazing things while I was away from basketball,” Berry said. “I studied for a month in Tanzania and traveled for a month in Europe before classes started. But I’m also incredibly grateful to be back on the team.”

Berry’s rapid readjustment to college basketball is also a testament to her incredible fitness. After all, not every athlete can play almost an entire game less than three weeks after returning from a six-month hiatus.

Berry stayed in shape while in London by training for a marathon, a pursuit that enabled her to explore the city while also easing her return to basketball.

In December, Berry ran the Luton Marathon in England, finishing in three hours, 26 minutes. Now try doing that, Deion!