Wichita State women’s basketball star reflects on journey back home in final season

Wichita, Kan. (KSNW) — The moment Wichita State inked Jaila Harding, they knew they were getting a star.

The 5’8″ graduate student is one of the best outside shooters on the floor. Harding’s precision and poise all add up to a lot of points, a skill she picked up on when she was little.

“My dad helped me. He had me out in the driveway every single day shooting baskets. He taught me how to shoot, and everybody asks me where I got that great form from, I tell them its from him and my brother. My brother plays professional basketball in Lithuania now, and I look up to him for sure,” said Harding.

Harding’s collegiate journey started roughly 30 miles east of Wichita in El Dorado, spending two seasons with Butler before making the division one jump. Her junior and senior years took her to New Mexico State, where she quickly became known for her 3-point shooting, but none of her success came without grit.

“I had three injuries back-to-back and I didn’t know if I was going to be playing anymore. I was in so much pain when I was practicing everyday. At one point, I thought last season would be it for me, and I realized I needed to make the most of it. I ended up doing that, and it motivated me to come back for another year,” said Harding.

For her final season, the Wichita Southeast alum knew she had to make her way home.

“Wichita State was one of the first schools to reach out. I always wanted to play for my hometown ever since I was a little kid. Everybody brings up when I told coach Nooner, and how I told him I was committing and he was screaming. I just knew this is the place where I was supposed to be,” said Harding.

Now, she’s off to a spectacular season with the Shockers and continues to find joy in the game. Harding said she doesn’t play basketball for herself, she chooses to play for her team, but also for those who look up to her.

“I play to inspire the younger generation. That’s the reason that motivates me every single day to come out here and give it my all. Just to come back home and remember what it was like just watching in the stands, and now to be a great role model for these kids is amazing,” said Harding.

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