After losing so much of her career, Van-Far’s Mara Jensen didn’t want to waste time reaching an important milestone.

In the Lady Indians’ 47-29 loss to open the Bowling Green Tournament on Monday, the senior scored 23 points to lead Van-Far and the tournament field that day in scoring and surpass the 1,000-point threshold.

Jensen needed 22 points going into the night so the accomplishment seemed inevitable with weeks left in the season. However, after only playing 10 games her freshman season because of a torn ACL, Jensen and head coach Heather Minter decided Monday was the night. In the first meeting against Elsberry, Jensen scored 18 points to give her some hope in making history.

“This number was definitely achievable, but I questioned whether I could reach it in the first round of the Bowling Green tournament versus Elsberry,” Jensen said. “At the start of the game, my focus was solely on picking off Elsberry. But, at halftime, I had 11 points — half of what I needed to reach 1,000. Minter pulled me aside and said, ‘Let's accomplish this goal tonight.’ At this moment, I knew I had to reach this goal that night, and I knew I was capable of doing it.”

Minter said she saw the potential in Jensen even when she was at one of her lowest points. Jensen had just undergone her first of two ACL surgeries, and Minter foresaw a future that saw Jensen becoming a high-level player.

“Even after her two ACL injuries, she never gave up and came back determined more than anything,” Minter said. “I remember right before she had her first injury, I asked her if she wanted to play college, because I knew she had it in her.”

That dream of college ball was realized earlier this year when Jensen signed to play for Columbia College. Now Minter’s and Jensen’s focus shifted to another goal.

Going into this season, Jensen was 301 points away from 1,000 and was told by Minter she would have to average at least 12 points per game to reach the figure before her final game. Jensen was coming off a season where she averaged 16.1 points per game in what was a unanimous all-conference campaign for her.

So far this season, Jensen is averaging 17.1 points along with 10 rebounds for a double-double. The opportunity at history came sooner than Jensen initially thought but was one that was she definitely deserved, according to her coach.

“Mara is one of those kids every coach wants to coach — never has been disrespectful, works her tail off and always in the gym,” Minter said. “I believe a part of her was nervous about not getting it, but I always told her the only person that can stop her is herself. It was definitely nice to see her get it, because she puts so much time into her game and getting better.”

Jensen said Minter gave her a 3-point opportunity when she was three points away that missed but ultimately reached the milestone. When that happened, Minter called a timeout and allowed the “surreal” moment to happen.
The crowd collectively jumped to its feet to applaud the effort given by Jensen for not just that one night, but for a well-played career.

“The support from the boys team and the community was unreal, and I am appreciative for them,” Jensen said. “I would have never accomplished this goal without my family, teammates, and coaches. Most importantly, I would have never made it this far without Coach Minter. She saw potential in me my freshman year and never gave up on me, which I am extremely thankful for.”

Minter said she is honored to have been Jensen’s coach and is looking forward to the Lady Indians’ remaining game before she steps on the college floor. When that time comes, Minter said Jensen will remain family and someone she will watch play for Columbia College.

Minter also said she is thankful for the support the Van-Far cheerleaders have given the team this season and during Jensen’s big moment, which is one that will remain in Jensen’s mind.

“Looking back to the end of my sophomore season, I would have never imagined I could reach 1,000 points,” Jensen said. “This moment was surreal and became a memory I will never forget.”