Most college freshmen don’t make their way into a starting lineup or see much playing time--in any sport--usually due to programs usually having older players that will get more playing time. 

But former Lady ‘Cat Jada Brown has bucked the trend.

Brown graduated from Richmond Hill in May 2025, after being a force in the Lady ‘Cats’ basketball program. After graduation, she chose to sign with Newberry College out of Newberry, South Carolina. The Lady Wolves’ basketball team competes at the Division Two level, out of the South Atlantic Conference. 

In speaking to Brown over the summer, she had an idea that she may be getting a solid amount of playing time on the year as a freshman, but for her to be able to get that playing time and to also be a starter in each game so far says a lot about her as a player and the commitment to her craft of getting better at the sport. 

“It means a lot to me that I've earned a starting spot on this team,” Brown said. “This team is full of a lot of very talented players and multiple people that play the same position as myself, so it is a very big deal to me to be able to start as a freshman.” 

While she has made it into the starting lineup and has remained there, that is not to say that the transition from high school to college has been an easy one. 

“The biggest challenge that I have faced so far is the change of speed,” Brown said. “College ball is played at a way faster pace than high school ball, and it’s pushing me to elevate my game and think quicker on my feet.”

Although the game has been at a much faster pace, Brown has been able to adjust and has already put up a stat line that would rival most college seniors. 

“In my best game so far, I was able to put up 16 points and 8 rebounds against North Greenville," Brown said. 

As Newberry College continues with their winning ways--a perfect 5-0 record--and their next game after Thanksgiving against Livingstone College at home, Brown and her team know what is needed to remain in the win column as they move forward. 

“For us, it is just continuing to play as a team and executing on both sides of the floor,” Brown said. “That will help us keep our streak going.”