The theme of the day was back-to-back State Champions signing to further their athletic careers, and for Senior Jordin Jackson, that next stop for Dance was the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
Jordin started her spirit squad career, like many kids in Greenwood, through the Pittbulls. After a short stint in Tennessee for 4th through 6th grade, Jordin and her family returned to Greenwood. From there, the Jackson family left their mark on the Blue Dazzlers program. Jordin’s mother, Debbie Jackson, could be found wandering Smith-Robinson Stadium, capturing photos of the fans that make Friday nights in Greenwood special.
“They’ve taken the mindset of her being the athlete to the next level. They’ve created part of the family that we have in the dance program, with Debbie being the mother hen. Making sure athletes are taken care of. Supporting me anyway possible. But also supporting the girls for all their next steps.” Coach Jill Clark said about the Jackson family and their involvement. “And it’s going to be a hard loss for everyone around, but watching Jordin go to the next level. I think she’s ready to fly. I cannot wait to see her at the next level.”
While on the Dance team, Jordin was a cog in the machine that produced a State Runner-Up, then back-to-back state titles. In her senior year, the squad traveled to Nationals in Orlando, where they finished in the Semifinals.
UAFS has had several Greenwood alumni participate in its athletic programs. Jordin will join 2024 graduate Prairie Ferris on the UAFS Dance team this fall. “I knew she was on the team, and I was talking about it to her. I was like, ‘Hey! Wouldn’t it be awesome if we both ended up on the same team?” Jordin said about reuniting with Prairie. “So at the end, I did end up trying out, and I think it was just awesome how we’d be there together.”
“Instantly, when I stepped on that campus, I felt like it was home. Especially the environment and the people. They are really great people there, and I felt so comforted and just loved there.” Jordin said about choosing UAFS. “That’s what I really needed, was somewhere that’s not only close to home, but just has people that are there to support me.”
UAFS is a Division II college competing in the MIAA conference that includes Washburn University, Pitt State, and Northeastern University.
