A beloved Indiana college basketball player was killed in a car crash Sunday night — just weeks after transferring to a new school to play alongside her younger sister.
University of Evansville sophomore Jordan Scott was driving on State Road 62, about 20 miles from campus, at around 12:42 a.m. when her car crashed into a utility pole, the Warrick County Sheriff’s Office told WRTV.
The promising young athlete had just dropped off a friend before the crash and was driving on the unfamiliar and “very curvy” roads of Warrick County, officials told the outlet.
A witness told police they watched her vehicle leave the road on a sharp curve, strike a pole and come to rest on its side in a tree line, the outlet reported.
Authorities said the vehicle sustained “severe damage” and Scott was pronounced dead at the scene.
She was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.
Police suspect speed played a role and that her car went airborne before impact, WRTV reported.
The University of Evansville shared the “heartbreaking news” of Scott’s death on Facebook Monday.
“A sophomore and member of the Purple Aces women’s basketball program, Jordan was a beloved member of the University of Evansville community,” the university said.
“Her loss is deeply felt by her teammates, coaches, classmates, friends, faculty, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
The University of Evansville athletics department noted that Scott’s younger sister, Jayden, was also a member of the Purple Aces’ roster as a freshman.
“Our thoughts are with her parents Mario and Amy, sister and teammate Jayden as well as her family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time,” UE Athletics posted on Facebook.
The university confirmed that counseling and grief support services are being made available to students, student-athletes and staff.
Scott, a Newburgh, Indiana native and Castle High School graduate, played last year at Wabash Valley College before transferring to Evansville.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of our beloved player, Jordan Scott,” Wabash Valley College Women’s Basketball posted on Facebook.
Her former teammates remembered Scott as “an incredible talent on the court and an even more remarkable person off it.”
“She brought so much joy and passion to our team. Always knew how to put a smile on anyone’s face or just light up a room. She will be deeply missed by all of us,” the team said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Scott’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Jordan.”
Scott was a two-time All-SIAC first-team selection, a two-time All-State Honorable Mention pick and a first-team All-Metro selection, according to her biography page on the University of Evansville athletics website.
She also competed in club basketball with Swish City, Pocket City and IGB Select 40 leading up to her college career.
