Basketball is more than just a game — it’s a proving ground for perseverance, teamwork, and leadership. For Martha B. and Jackolyn W., Quincy Medical Group (QMG) employees by day and state-champion basketball coaches by night, it’s also a platform to inspire the next generation.
Martha is Physical Therapist with our QMG Mt. Sterling Clinic, while Jackolyn works as Nuclear Med Technologist. This season, both guided their local 7th-grade girls’ basketball teams to state championship victories, blending their love for the sport with a deep passion for mentoring young athletes.
A Lifelong Passion for Basketball
Martha was a multi-sport athlete who ultimately found her true calling in basketball, Martha’s impressive college career included honors such as All-American and All-Conference Player of the Year. “Playing a team sport has taught me the importance of being a hard worker, a good teammate, and, most importantly, how to lead by example,” she shared. “Looking back at my career as a physical therapist, playing basketball at a high level definitely helped form me into the worker I am today, and I really value all of the lessons learned.”
Jackolyn’s journey began at a young age, when her passion for basketball outshone her early attempts at ballet. “My mom tried to make me a ballerina, but all I wanted was to play basketball like my brother,” she recalled.
She went on to play volleyball and basketball in college at John Wood Community College, where she continues to gain invaluable lessons — lessons she now strives to pass on to her players. “I love the aspects of the game that are bigger than the sport- teamwork, character building, dedication, communication, and trust,” she said. “I just hope I can help all my players accomplish the goals they set for themselves just like so many great people did for me.”
A Commitment to Coaching
Both began coaching as a way to give back to their communities and instill a love for the game in the next generation. Martha coaches the Brown County 7th grade Middle School Girls Basketball team and Jackolyn coaches the 7th grade La Harpe/Dallas City girls’ basketball team.
For Martha, coaching began with her children’s teams. “I wanted to ensure my kids and their friends had a positive experience and learned to love basketball as I did,” she said.
This turned into being asked to coach at the 5th/6th grade level, which she did for several years, along with her co-coach and fellow Illinois College grad, Becca Kassing. Then, they were asked to help at the junior high level, where they have been coaching together for six years. In the last four years, they have taken three teams to the state tournament.
“It has always been hard for me to say no to anything basketball-related; at this point in my career I just want to share my knowledge and passion for the game and hopefully give each player a great experience,” Martha said.
Jackolyn’s coaching career started in 2008 when her high school coach asked her to develop a middle school program. Though she took a break to start her family, the gym continued to call her back. “I have a deep passion and love for the sport,” Jackolyn said. “It’s because of the great people who believed in me that I love teaching and developing the fundamentals of the game.”
She credits many of her former coaches for instilling that love of the game. But it all started with her dad, Greg, and her uncle, Jerry, known as “Loge.”
“My dad took me everywhere and let me play with the boys. I also have the added blessing of being the great niece of the infamous “Loge” aka Jerry Logan from Carthage. While I never played for him, I did attend his summer camps and he gave me lots of advice throughout my career,” she said.
The Road to State Championships
Both teams faced unique challenges and rewarding journeys on their paths to state titles. Martha’s Brown County Middle School team completed an undefeated season — an achievement that had never been done in the school’s history. “Each player developed so much during the season, and that was incredibly satisfying to see as their coach,” she said.
Jackolyn’s La Harpe/Dallas City team started the year unsure of themselves having not played together for a year, as the teams were split the yar prior to fill the older girls’ team. “I knew it was going to take some time to adjust but the potential was there for us to do big things,” she said after starting the season with two losses. “After some much-needed time together and many practices later I think they all realized that every one of them played a significant role on the team and we could not be successful with each other.”
Lessons Beyond the Game
For both coaches, the most rewarding aspect of their roles goes far beyond the wins. “The highlight for me is seeing their love for each other and the game develop,” Martha said. “This team was the most well-balanced I’ve ever coached, and they truly relied on one another to succeed.”
Jackolyn shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the life lessons basketball teaches. “I want my players to learn how to set goals, work hard to achieve them, and believe in themselves,” she said. “It’s not just about the game; it’s about preparing them for life after the game.”
A Lasting Impact
Through their leadership, both women are shaping not only skilled athletes but also strong, resilient individuals. “Coaching is a way I am able to serve my community with the skills and passion I have developed in basketball. It gives me joy to spread my knowledge and love for the game, and I hope that my players see that,” Martha said.
Jackolyn added, “I hold my players to a very high standard of accountability, hard work, being a great communicator, being a great leader and just understanding that it is not about me and it is more about fulfilling my role for the greater good of the team. Those are the aspects of the game that will live on in their life long after the game has ended.”
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