Jenny Horvatinovic, a true basketball lover

Jenny's roster picture via tampaspartans.com

Jenny Horvatinovic is a junior basketball player at the University of Tampa, majoring in Management Information Systems. Transferring from Monmouth University, a Division I program in the MAAC Conference, Jenny decided to come to Tampa in order to have two more years of eligibility to play basketball. I had the pleasure to interview her, and I would like to share it with you. 

ATHLETES R US: How were your childhood and the relation with your family?

JENNY: My childhood was great. I was the baby of the family; my sister is 3 years older than me, and my brother is 5 years older. My cousins live right down the street, so we ended up playing with them a lot when we were younger. We also had a lot of family dinners and holidays at my grandma’s house. For the holidays we had different things like Easter egg hunts and recently started doing a Secret Santa within our family. My brother and sister played a lot outside, and I probably tried to constantly tag along with them even though I was a few years younger. We always went and still go on a family vacation to Connecticut to visit my mom’s side of the family. My grandparents live on the Long Island Sound, so we always got to enjoy the beach when we went there. We usually spent the Fourth of July there and watched the fireworks along the water.

A: What are the best moments that you remember from it? What about the worst moments?

J: Now that I’m older I realize that all the times that my family and I got to be together are the best times of my childhood. When you get older it’s harder to get everybody together at the same time, so I really appreciate all the times that happens now. Christmas time and Thanksgiving are probably my best memories. My parents always made it the best they possibly could and my siblings and I were very fortunate for that.

A: Who was your mentor/hero/example that helped you grow as a person?

J: When I was younger I didn’t really understand how intelligent and influential my parents were on me and my brother and sister. I think a lot of people shape who you are and help you grow personally, but my mom and dad are the two most influential people. I can’t even begin to explain the things they have done for me. Both of them went above and beyond their maternal and paternal responsibilities for my siblings and myself. My brother was probably the closest thing I had to a ‘hero’ because he played basketball and as much as I hated him for always beating me, he had a big influence on me. My sister had much more of an impact on me than I usually admit or realize. I think it takes time to truly understand the sacrifices your family makes for you.

A: What are some experiences that helped you to be the person you are now?

J: Switching high schools as a sophomore and transferring from Monmouth after my sophomore year are probably some of the biggest experiences that helped me become who I am today. In high school I was so scared to change schools, but it did something for me that I will cherish forever. Moving in with my grandma was one of the best things that I could’ve done. The time I got to spend with her and the bond we have is something I’m forever grateful for. Transferring in college was a big experience for me because I had to learn to do something that was best for me personally and find happiness in my own decisions and actions. 

A: How did you overcome the difficulties and how did you learn from them?

J: My teammates and family have helped me immensely in overcoming just about every obstacle I’ve encountered. I am very close to my parents and really value their opinion and advice in any situation. My teammates are the same way. I’ve met people that truly care about what’s best for me, and that’s one of the hardest things to find in this world.

A: What is the best compliment that someone gave you?

J: My dad said the best compliment someone can give you is to say that they hope their children grow up to be like you.

A: Where would you like to be on the future?

J: I’d like to be with people that make me happy, doing what I love (playing basketball) and living just outside of a big city.

A: When did you start to play basketball? 

J: I started playing basketball when I was in second grade. I think I was seven.

A: Did you play any other sports until you decide to dedicate your life to basketball?

J: I played co-ed soccer when I was very young, but hated it.

A: What are the difficulties you have to overcome?

J: Injuries are probably the biggest obstacle. I was out for about 7 months as a freshman in high school with a fracture in my foot that ended up in removing the bone in a surgery about 6 months in. I still wear orthotics from that injury and am reminded of it just about every day, but I’ve gotten used to the pain and it’s just normal now. I also had a stress fracture in that same foot this past season, and that was very mentally taxing. Outside of injuries, staying confident and positive is the hardest thing I’ve had to deal with in basketball. Not being too hard on myself has always been something I’ve had to over come.

A: What is your best memory playing basketball? What about the worst memory?

J: My best memory is winning the County Championship as a junior in high school. We tied the largest win margin in County history. Our student section dressed up in prom attire and they were amazing. It was also my coach’s 400^th win. That was a really special night. My worst memory playing is the last game of my junior year in states. By far the saddest I’ve been about a game or season ending.

A: What is the best part about being a college athlete? What about the worst part?

J: The best part is the feeling of being a part of any success your team has. College is great when you’re not an athlete, but I really think it’s even better when you are on a team. The worst part is constantly having to study for tests as opposed to feeling like you’re actually learning for life/the future. I have some great professors, but I don’t like the feeling of just studying for test material instead of what is going to be the most helpful in the future.

A: How do you manage your time in order to be on top of your basketball career and your student life?
J: I don’t even realize how I manage it because it’s so second nature to me. I have been playing my whole life and always had to juggle different priorities and schoolwork. I try not to procrastinate, but I still do sometimes. I just always try to think about when I’m realistically going to be motivated to get my work done and plan a few days to a week in advance.