MANY YOUNG people in Franklin County have dreams and aspirations of earning a spot on a high school athletic team and developing into a collegiate-level competitor. Dana Jackson is one of those Franklin County High School alumni who has acted as an example for the many students who have goals to be a student-athlete. Jackson played high school basketball at Franklin County and then took her talents to The University of North Alabama. After graduating from college, she returned to the Franklin County area and now serves her community as a nurse practitioner and an elementary school basketball coach.
Jackson started her journey here in our community. Her story is one of perseverance and determination. “I tried out initially because my friends were playing. I was not very good and actually did not make the team in fifth grade. I felt like this challenged me. It wasn’t until I improved and actually started playing elementary that I really fell in love with the sport,” Jackson shared. She is proof that working hard to overcome challenges can open our lives to opportunities we couldn’t have otherwise imagined. While being driven by the challenges of basketball, Jackson also has a love for the game itself. The memories made with her teammates and coaches are still with her today. “I have so many early memories of playing basketball on the playground at Clark Memorial. I also remember playing in an elementary basketball tournament in Monteagle and scoring my first game point. Some of my favorite memories are early Sunday morning private lessons with Tiffany Woosley in Murfreesboro. She taught me everything I needed to know to become a great offensive player. She instilled a level of competitiveness and drive in me, not only as a player but as a person,” said Jackson.
As a former Franklin County athlete and now a coach, Jackson is familiar with the community support needed for our student-athletes to thrive. Teachers, parents, and coaches play a huge role in the experience that student-athletes get during their time playing sports. The role of a coach is crucial. Having strong leaders and mentors to guide our students is vital in developing them into well-rounded individuals. “The community support was great. Again, I had some really great coaches — Tammie Tobitt, Tiffany Woosley, and John Wild. I initially played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball with coach Bobby King. He was one of the first coaches to give me a chance. I didn’t really know the game at that point, but I learned a lot playing for him. I can’t leave out coach Tammie Tobitt at North Middle School. She made us so tough! If we survived her summer workouts, we could survive anything! I also played for a travel team out of Murfreesboro, PRIDE. The friends I have made throughout my basketball career are truly more like family,” Jackson described.
After high school, Jackson went to the University of North Alabama. “I had a great high school basketball coach, John Wild. He stayed in constant communication with recruits and definitely helped lead me in the right direction. I feel like I had coaches who were invested in my success, and that made a huge difference,” she said. She played basketball and committed to her education. After graduating from college, Jackson returned to Franklin County. When asked what brought her back to this area, she replied, “My family and the genuine love I have for my little hometown.” Jackson continues to work in the community and inspire student-athletes. She is now a mother and serves the community through her work in the healthcare field and coaching the sport she loves. Jackson is a role model to so many Franklin County student-athletes who aspire to develop into collegiate athletes. She has proven that the skills you develop as a focused athlete can help you off the court. What would she say to students working toward those goals right now? “Keep grinding. Hard work pays off in every aspect of life, not just basketball. Make your priorities clear, follow God’s lead, and trust the process.” GN
