Rylee Joseph responds 'yes' to UJ women's basketball program

JAMESTOWN — After Rylee Joseph graduated from Jamestown High School in 2023, she never thought she would play competitive basketball again.

But as Justin Bieber says:

"Never say never."

Back in 2023, Joseph signed to play collegiate softball at the University of Jamestown, a decision that for all intents purposes, left basketball in the past.

UJ's head women's basketball coach Thad Sankey said something to the effect of:

"Not so fast."

"Around the beginning to middle of November, I walked into Coach (Kevin) Gall’s office and he brought up that Thad sent an email about possibly dual sporting and helping out their JV squad with numbers," Joseph said in an email interview with the Jamestown Sun.

"I thought about it for a day or two before eventually going for it," she said. "The team at that time was in the heat of many games in a row. I met with coaches to get a locker, gear and a uniform picked out. The next day headed to BSC (Bismarck State College) with the team and met everyone for the first time as I walked on the bus."

The Jimmies wound up dropping 79-74 in Joseph's opening game but the team is still fighting every night. As of Jan. 9, the squad is sitting at 3-8. The team's next game is scheduled for Jan. 13 against Concordia College.

"I have learned so much in the small time I have been on the roster," Joseph said. "The plays and drills we run have overall made me feel like I can read the floor a lot better. The level of practices consists of so much intensity and competitiveness while also being an environment where we prioritize cheering each other on and being good teammates."

Joseph is listed as one of four guards for the Jimmies. Former Class B standouts Allison Thomas of Medina/Pingree-Buchanan and Kiara Jangula of Edgeley/Kulm-Montpelier are also rostered at the guard position.

"I’ve always known ND prep hoops was amongst the best," Joseph said. "Through traveling ball, high school, and AAU — I grew up playing against and with these girls. Allison and Kiara are both talented players with great work ethic, I am so glad they’re Jimmies. It is no surprise to me when I see fellow North Dakota girls on collegiate rosters."

Contributed / Taylor Schmitt, Taylor Schmitt Photography

UJ women's basketball is also among the best. As of Jan. 9, the Jimmies' women's program is ranked 24th in the NAIA.

"I am full of so much pride for this team," Joseph said. "Every member of the program pours so much into being successful in all aspects. You can see it in the way we play and practice. We constantly push each other. It feels great to be a part of a great basketball team (and) it feels even better to be a part of a highly ranked group of people."

While she might be having fun, competing — even at the JV level — is another huge commitment for Joseph.

"My days often start at 5 a.m. and end around 11 p.m.," Joseph said. "I am always go go go and often have to miss a practice or the other and have to make up the work on my own time."

So why did she say yes to Coach Sankey?

"Honestly, I missed (basketball)," Joseph said. "Coming out of high school I had it set in my mind that I would not be going anywhere for basketball. However, as time went on it was weird that it was not a part of my life every other season. I also heard great things about the girls in the program as well as the coaching staff, I was excited to join a different atmosphere and get back to a game that I missed.

"I enjoy the grind and being busy," she said. "I have a huge support system that helps me make it work. My professors, coaches, teammates, friends and most importantly my family help me immensely. I couldn’t do it without them."

Joseph gave a shoutout to the basketball program for welcoming her with open arms and a shoutout to the softball program for supporting her decision to play basketball by cheering her on at games and checking in with her throughout the week.

"I feel like it is hard to ever come into college athletics with a plan and it plays out exactly that way," Joseph said. "I will say a lot has gone as expected as far as what plays into the athletics itself. I have made an abundance of amazing friendships, shown what it is to be on the real grind 24/7, and overall am just growing every day.

"Obviously, it was not in the plan for me to pick up a basketball again — but here I am and I feel very blessed," she said.