MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — To succeed on the basketball court, you need to hustle, a good jump shot, and quick feet, among other things. When you’re a veteran player for the defending Conference USA champs, it also means you have to be a good leader. 

In her fourth year with the Blue Raiders women’s basketball team, veteran senior guard Jalynn Gregory is taking that leadership role personally. She was able to graduate with her bachelor’s in psychology early and enrolled in the Master of Professional Studies program with a concentration in strategic leadership. 

“One of the career options I am looking at is becoming a coach,” Gregory said. “I think this program will allow me to see different styles of leadership and also see perspectives of other people I may have not considered before.” 

Last season, the Macon County native was named to the Conference USA All-Tournament team and Second Team All-Conference for the regular season. Her coaches say both her skill and leadership are one of the reasons the team has been successful. 

“She’s a winner,” said longtime head coach Rick Insell. “Everything you want in a student-athlete, Jalynn Gregory gives you. She makes great grades. She is always in the gym — early in the morning and late at night. She is just the ultimate team player.”

Administered through University College and the College of Graduate Studies, the Master of Professional Studies program has several different concentrations beyond strategic leadership. The interdisciplinary degree can be tailored to different types of students — one of the biggest advantages is that all classes are available through MTSU Online, creating a lot of flexibility for students like Gregory. 

“I have taken online classes before and tried to stay ahead in those courses,” she said. “Being fully online has allowed even more flexibility.” 

Gregory said she has a routine on non-game days that includes shooting at 7 a.m. and then doing schoolwork until it’s time to watch film and practice. Since she tries to stay on top of assignments, she said, she is able to devote her focus on game days solely to the game ahead.

On the court, Gregory’s strategic leadership courses have helped her build relationships with her team. Rather than yell at her teammate when she notices an error, she’d rather take a more direct approach and find out what they were thinking in the moment.

“I am more of a person that will correct them with a one-on-one conversation,” she said. “I help them fix their mistakes while also being able to hear what they have to say.”

Gregory said she also tries to be a calming presence and bring down the temperature during games, demonstrating the skills she learned in her undergraduate psychology courses. 

“Emotions get high in games,” she said. “Staying in the present and taking things one step at a time is another big thing for us. No matter what people say, we have to focus on what is in front of us for that day rather than what is to come.”

While Gregory hopes to stay coaching in Middle Tennessee after her playing days are over, she’s confident her degree in professional studies will help her in any industry. 

“Studying leadership has allowed me to see different aspects of what a good leader looks like in the working world,” she said. 

The Blue Raiders (6-2 as of publication) start conference play after the new year. See their full schedule.

— Hunter Patterson (Hunter.Patterson@mtsu.edu)