IUN News
Jenelle Kapelinski
Jenelle Kapelinski
Tue, Jan 26, 2010 - [Women's Basketball]

Jenelle Kapelinski, forward for the Lady RedHawks, would like someday to work for the FBI. Currently, she's studying accounting as she continues to rise as an athlete. On the court, she's known for being an excellent all-around player who is never afraid to pass the ball instead of taking a shot. She's our women's basketball player of the week.

Where did you grow up?

 
St. John, Indiana.
 
How do you feel about St. John?
 
I like it. It's a nice country quiet town.
 
When did you start playing sports?
 
I've played soccer ever since I was four, and I started playing basketball in second grade.
 
When did you realize that you'd be playing for awhile?
 
It was always a dream of mine. I looked up to high school players when I was younger, really good players who made it far. I just want to keep playing. Both of my sisters played sports, so it's always been a competition between us.
 
What separates basketball from other sports?
 
The competitiveness… Soccer is such a big area of playing and basketball is more 1-on-1 and 5-on-5. You're always fighting for the win.
 
What makes a great basketball team?
 
Having all-around players. As long as you have the confidence and a good work ethic and good players you're going to have a good team.
 
Do the RedHawks have that this year?
 
Yes we do. We had a heartbreaking loss on Tuesday [against Purdue Calumet], but we're going to bounce back from it.
 
What are you strengths as a player?
 
Passing is one of my main strengths. I'll take a few shots, but I'll hit the open player rather than take shots myself because I know there's always somebody better that can score more than I can.
 
Do you have any weaknesses?
 
We all have weaknesses. It just depends on the day. I think my biggest weakness is scoring. I need to learn how to finish a little bit better than I do.
 
What year student are you?
 
I'm at junior-sophomore status. It depends because I switched my degree and I transferred here from another school.
 
What's your major?
 
Accounting.
 
Why accounting?
 
I've always been good at math and I've been working at a bank now for awhile. I'm working with numbers every day, it's interesting.
 
What would you like to do with your degree?
 
Work for the FBI as an account.
 
Why the FBI?
 
I like law enforcement, in general. I don't want to be an accountant but it's the best way to get into the FBI as a woman.
 
Do you have any advice for future RedHawk basketball players?
 
To never get up and to just keep playing.