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Mona Shores Retires Jersey of Former Miss Basketball Star Jordan Walker

Former Miss Basketball, Western Michigan and Tennessee Basketball Star…

NUMBER 22

NORTON SHORES – Jordan Walker, a name synonymous with basketball excellence in West Michigan, cemented her legacy on Friday night during a heartfelt jersey retirement ceremony at Mona Shores High School.

The former Sailors standout and 2017 Miss Basketball Award recipient watched with pride as her iconic No. 22 jersey was officially retired, an honor that permanently ties her to the school’s storied girls basketball program.

Walker’s high school career was nothing short of remarkable. She left an indelible mark as Mona Shores’ all-time leader in points (1,576) and assists (343), while also ranking second in rebounds (721) and third in steals (380). Her dominance on the court not only brought success to the Sailors but also inspired countless young athletes in the community.

Speaking about the honor, Walker described the moment as “surreal.” “You see it all the time, but you never think it would be your jersey being retired,” she shared. Looking back on the ceremony and the packed gymnasium, she added, “Coming back to this community and seeing the support just reminded me of the games I used to play and how it used to be packed.”

Walker’s achievements extend far beyond the basketball court. During the ceremony, she showcased some impressive accolades, including earning a master’s degree while playing collegiate basketball—a feat requiring incredible effort. “It was hard, to say the least,” she admitted. “But if there’s anything that you want to do and do well, you just have to dig in a little bit. Balancing both school and basketball helped me in my life now. It taught me that I can succeed at both.”

Walker’s journey has been anything but easy, marked by perseverance in the face of challenges. Overcoming multiple knee injuries throughout high school and college required not only physical strength but also unwavering faith. Speaking about her recovery, Walker shared, “I think you have to believe in something, whether it’s yourself or someone greater. For me, it was believing in God and knowing, he didn’t bring me to it just to leave me there. Every single day, I worked toward my goal of coming back, playing again, and being successful.”

Although her days of playing for a team are behind her, Walker’s passion for the game remains strong. Transitioning into coaching after her collegiate career, she quickly made an impact. In the 2023-24 season, she served as a first-year assistant coach at Mercer University, taking on responsibilities that included player development, academics, and community service. When a coaching change at Mercer prompted her to explore new opportunities, Walker’s networking led her to Jacksonville University.

Now at Jacksonville, Walker is focused on developing point guards, overseeing academics, coordinating community service, and managing housing for her team. With aspirations of becoming a Division I head coach, she is steadily climbing the coaching ladder. Walker’s extensive experience, leadership skills, and educational background—including her unique expertise in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness)—position her as a rising star in the coaching world. Her ability to navigate the evolving landscape of college athletics, while supporting her players’ growth on and off the court.

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Conner Raeth began his journey at CatchMark as an intern in October 2020, while studying Internet, Network, and Security Technologies at the Muskegon Career Tech Center. His dedication and expertise led him to a full-time role as a Help Desk Technician in mid-2022, post-graduation. Today, he excels as the Digital Content Lead for CatchMark’s SportsNet platform, leveraging his technical knowledge to drive its success.

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