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Hail to the Husker Seniors! Brandi Jeffery

By Rosalie Suggs

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Once upon a time, she was one of those little girls. They look out into the bigger world beyond their small world and dream big dreams. Brandi Jeffery’s dream took her all the way from Vacherie, Louisiana to Lincoln, Nebraska.

The resume’ that accompanied her to Nebraska is impressive indeed. As a Parade All-American and the 2011 Gatorade Louisiana Player of the Year, Brandi was invaluable as a member of the St. James High School girls basketball squad. The New Orleans metro area scoring champion each of her final three seasons, Jeffery averaged 22.3 points per game as a junior and 21.9 points per game as a sophomore. Jeffery played her club basketball for the New Orleans Domino’s. Her club team finished fourth nationally in 2008-09, and won Louisiana state titles in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

When the quiet Jeffery walked on the court in Lincoln, she wondered where would she fit in and what would her role be on the Nebraska Cornhusker women’s basketball team? Standing just 5’6″, as a guard she would be one of the shortest players on the Nebraska squad but she had determination and drive to make a difference. Her size and speed could help her maneuver around the bigger bodies on the floor.

Brandi Jeffery (photo by Suggs)

Her play as a freshman established her role on the Husker squad. She brought an explosive offensive game to the Nebraska program in 2011-12. She opened her college career by averaging 3.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.0 assist in 15 minutes per game as a freshman.

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In her sophomore year as one of Nebraska’s top players off the bench, Jeffery averaged 3.5 points and 1.9 rebounds, playing in 30 games to help NU to its second NCAA Sweet 16. Plagued by both a foot and knee injury, her minutes on the floor were limited. Off-season surgery followed by rehab would hopefully get her back on the floor with more playing time.

Recovering from those injuries, Jeffery was most effective coming off the bench for Husker coach Connie Yori in her junior season. Despite her limited minutes on the court, she averaged 3.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game.

By far, her senior year has been her best and the most rewarding of her career at Nebraska. She became a full-time starter in 2014-15, averaging 7.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals. On senior night in the game against Ohio State, she scored the first double-double of her career with 10 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and a steal.

Brandi Jeffery @OSU (photo byTessa Lighty LJS)

When asked to explain what Brandi Jeffery brings to the table for her team, Coach Connie Yori said, “Brandi has a great scorer’s mentality but she is also capable of making some great passes. She has the ability to shoot well beyond traditional three-point range and the ability to put the ball on the floor and knock down mid-range jumpers. She also has the strength and athleticism to guard bigger players at the defensive end.”

With the regular season completed, the Huskers head to the Big Ten women’s tournament where they will meet up with Illinois for the third time this season. Brandi reflected upon her career recently. What is she most proud of? Her status as the first female from St. James’ High School in Louisiana to ever play NCAA Division I athletics and the impact she has had on those little girls back in Vacherie, Louisiana. You GEAUX girl!

Thanks for the memories, Brandi. You will always be a Cornhusker in our hearts!! GO BIG RED!!!