Small-town grit fuels Griggs’ rise to UHSP basketball

BENTON, Mo. — Jada Griggs isn’t afraid of a challenge. 

The Kelly High School basketball standout recently signed to continue her athletic and academic at the University of Health Science and Pharmacy (UHSP) in St. Louis, a move that both excites and tests her desire for growth. 

“The biggest thing is meeting new people,” Griggs said. “Moving to a big city can be scary, but St. Louis is the perfect place to get that experience.

Kelly�s Ava LeGrand (22), Brooke Dirnberger (13), Jada Griggs (21), Kristin Grogan (3), Macy Burger (10) and Paige Klipfel (33) react as they receive their championship plaque following the Lady Devil Invitational finals on Thursday at Chaffee High School. (J.C. Reeves/Special to the Standard-Democrat)

A small-town upbringing helped shape Griggs into a competitor, growing up without the same resources or spotlight as larger schools only fueled her drive to improve.

“It made me want to get better,” she said. “I wanted to work harder and constantly improve to prove something to myself.”

UHSP checked all the boxes for Griggs. She loved the beautiful, close-knit campus and its strong nursing program. The basketball team’s familiar style of play added to the appeal. The shared academic focus among students created a sense of camaraderie that resonated with Griggs.

Sikeston's Marlie Crook (15) defends Kelly's Jada Griggs (21) during the Lady Bulldogs' 67-54 win at the Field House on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“What drew me in at UHSP was honestly everything,” she said. “It is the right place for me in this period of my life.”

Beyond basketball, Griggs aims for a holistic college experience. She understands that success isn’t just about what happens on the court.

“I want to be the best version of myself, both as a player and as a person,” she said.  

Kelly's Jada Griggs (21) blocks out for a rebound against Delta this past season. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

This means excelling in the classroom, building meaningful relationships, and exploring new interests that will shape her future.

Challenges haven’t deterred Griggs. A devastating freshman-year shoulder injury, including a torn rotator cuff and damage to both sides of her labrum, could have derailed her path. The pain, the surgery, the grueling rehabilitation – it felt like a crushing blow to her basketball dreams. Yet, she refused to give up, overcoming this setback to score over 1,000 points in her high school career and average nearly 16 points per game her senior season.

Kelly's Jada Griggs (21) takes an elbow as she goes up for a shot during a 68-34 loss to Delta on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“It felt like my basketball dreams were gone,” Griggs said. “I thought there was no way I could get back to where I was, but I went through therapy the whole summer and slowly started to see some progress. I kept telling myself that everyone goes through stuff like this and I could do it. Nothing was going to stop me from getting back on the basketball court.

“Basketball is what I love, and I knew I had to fight to get back,” she continued. “I had to stay mentally tough, when finally getting back I had to put extra work in because everyone was ahead of me.”

Kelly's Jada Griggs (21) shoots during a 67-54 loss to Sikeston at the Field House on over Ballard County (Ky.) at the Field House on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Her journey wouldn’t have been possible without unwavering support. Her mom has been her rock, never missing a game and always offering encouragement. Beyond family, supportive coaches and teammates have fueled her belief in herself every step of the way.

“My mom is my biggest supporter,” Griggs said. “She doesn’t miss any games and sits in the front row until she gets too mad and has to move. She never stopped believing in me when many others did. She just loved seeing me happy. I have a great support system.”

Kelly's Jada Griggs (21) looks for a teammate during a 62-55 win over Chaffee in the third-place game of the Scott-Mississippi Tournament at Kelly High School on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Inspired by former UHSP star Grace Beyer, the NAIA’s all-time leading scorer, Griggs understands that hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary success, regardless of school size.  

Beyer’s record-breaking career proves that even at a smaller program, athletes can achieve greatness on the national stage.

“Going into a school where a player made history is inspiring to me,” Griggs said. “There is a standard now, she made history now it’s time for people to follow in her footsteps and keep that history going.”

Kelly's Jada Griggs (21) shoots this past season. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Griggs will be joined by fellow Lady Hawk Kristin Grogan, who recently signed to play soccer at USHP.

“I am nervous about leaving my family and friends behind and figuring things out on my own,” Griggs said. “But I am very thankful that I have a friend that will be joining me which will make the transition easier.

“It was very clear to me that UHSP was the perfect fit for me,” she continued. “The coaches were amazing and I think that’s what made the decision so easy.”

Kelly's Jada Griggs (21) pushes the pace�during a 55-28 win over East Prairie in the opening round of the MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 Tournament at Kelly High School on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

As Griggs prepares for her new chapter at UHSP, her focus remains clear: personal growth, contributing to the team, and pursuing her dream of becoming a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse. This passion for nursing stems from her childhood when she helped care for her grandfather after his heart transplant. That experience ignited a desire to serve others, and the love of babies drew her specifically to the NICU. 

With her unwavering spirit and the backing of her support system, this Kelly Hawk is poised to soar as a UHSP Eutectic.

“Having Jada for two years wasn’t long enough,” said Kelly coach Matthew Blissett. “One of the unique traits that will help her in the future I believe is the ability to adapt. She had three different coaches in her career which can be hard. For her to be able to maintain a high level of play while playing in three completely different coaching systems deserves high praise.”

Jada Griggs (21) puts up a shoot during a win at Scott County Central this past season.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Blissett’s observations highlight Griggs’ resilience and ability to thrive even in changing circumstances. This adaptability will undoubtedly serve her well as she transitions to college life and a new basketball program. Her willingness to learn and adjust showcases a growth mindset that is essential for success both on and off the court.

“[Griggs] makes life as a coach very easy,” Blissett added. “She is extremely organized and well-raised. She balances life, school, and athletics with ease. She is a hard worker and always willing to take on extra tasks. The unique thing about her that I believe gave her success on the court was her ability to soak in information. She was like a basketball sponge. One time was all she needed to hear and she could put it into play immediately.”

This quick learning ability is a valuable asset for any athlete, especially when transitioning to a higher level of play. Griggs’ receptiveness to coaching and her willingness to adapt will give her an advantage as she navigates the increased complexity and competition of college basketball.

Kelly�s Jada Griggs recently signed to continue her academic and athletic journey at the University of Health Science and Pharmacy. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“At the next level, I see a lot of success coming her way,” Blissett concluded. “She will play against high talent consistently and with that comes an increase of your own. As long as she keeps her work ethic and stays true to who she is, she will be successful.”

With this kind of determination and the support of those who see her potential, Griggs is undoubtedly ready to take on the challenges and triumphs that her college years will bring.