She is listed in the basketball program as Mindy Jackson, but Lisbon's senior center usually goes by the nickname “Chief.”
"My freshman coach, Coach Savko, watched the movie 'One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest,' and thought I reminded him of the Chief off of that," Jackson said.
Four years later Jackson has still not seen the movie because she's been too busy in the paint, averaging 16 points and eight rebounds a game in her third year as a starter. Being 6'1'' helps, but her improved footwork has made Jackson an all ITCL selection.
"I just learned you have to watch for the openings,” Jackson said. “And know how to attack it and when to attack it. You can't go when there's two people there, you're not going to get open. I learned how to read it to be able to do that."
Jackson owns the Lisbon volleyball records for kills in a game (25), a season (335), and a career (1,140). She earned All ITCL First Team and All-County First Team accolades following her senior year. She also throws the shot and discus in the spring for the track and field team.
She said sports has taught her to take things one step at a time. That same approach has worked in school, where she ranks seventh in her class with a 3.93 GPA.
"It is stressful dealing with sports and school, you don't have that free time everyone else has, but knowing you can do it, and accomplish a good grade, it's a real accomplishment,” Jackson said.
She is a member of National Honor Society, Pep Club, Spanish Club, and Home Ec Club. In addition, she plays the trumpet and clarinet in the concert band, marching band, and pep band.
“Chief” has accomplished a lot during her high school career, which makes Jackson Lisbon our Student Athlete of the Week.
