Blackwell High School sophomore guard Jolee Dice is already making a name for herself with the Maroons, but she says her success starts at home. The sophomore credits her family for keeping her grounded and driven as she navigates both the classroom and the court.
“My family inspires me the most because they always support me and push me to be better, not just in sports but in life,” Dice said. “They’ve taught me to stay focused and work hard for what I want.”
In school, Dice gravitates toward math, where she said teacher Mrs. Ward has had a big impact. “My favorite subject is math, and my favorite teacher is Mrs. Ward because she makes learning easier to understand and always helps her students succeed,” Dice said.
On the basketball court, Dice said the best part of wearing Blackwell across her chest is the tight bond she shares with her teammates. “I enjoy the bond we have as a team. We push each other to improve and always support one another, on and off the court,” she said. That chemistry shows up in the locker room and at practice, where teammate Tylee keeps the group energized. “Tylee is the most vocal, and Tylee also keeps everyone laughing, and has a great attitude on the court,” Dice said.
Dice also embraces competition, whether it is in a tough road environment or a casual game in the gym. She pointed to Alva as the toughest place to play because of its loud, competitive atmosphere and said teammate Nina “could easily beat me at a game of Pig because she’s incredibly competitive and an excellent shooter.”
Through it all, athletics is shaping how Dice approaches her future. “Athletics has taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to stay mentally tough, which will help me in anything I do in the future,” she said. As a fan of all-time greats like Michael Jordan and Caitlin Clark, Dice is working to write her own story at Blackwell, one season at a time.
