The junior guard has seen her season averages grow consistently since the start of December, raising her 5.0 PPG average to 8.1 PPG through this past weekend's action. Newman has led the Bulldogs in scoring twice in the past two weeks with 17-point outings while also consistently leading the Bulldogs in assists. She's shot  38.8 percent on the year and her biggest moment was a pair of last-minute go-ahead baskets against Minot State on Dec. 14, one of her most memorable moments as a Bulldog, along with "hitting the game-winning shot against Minnesota Crookston [in my] freshman year."

The Barnum, Minn. native "grew up as a Bulldog fan and always wanted to play as one," especially when given the opportunity to continue playing with her older sister, "Kitty Kat," who she credits as the best player she's gone against in her collegiate career. Newman started playing organized basketball in second grade, and credits her family, in particular her parents for influencing her athletic career. If given  an opportunity to play a different sport, she might have tried hockey, but the way she's excelled, particularly this season, she likely made the right choice.

"Jess is an extremely hard working and very competitive player," said her head coach, Annette Wiles. "She plays with lots of passion and heart. She is a great guard that can attack the basket off the dribble but also hit the 3 point shot for us. A real strength is her rebounding ability as a three guard." As far as a game day ritual, Newman has just one: go visit certified athletic trainer Charla Buxbaum. Whatever the Bulldogs' training staff has done, it's worked out for Newman, who's played in all 16 games for the Bulldogs including 10 starts.

Bulldog Country may be surprised to know that Jessica has a twin brother in the four-sibling Newman family.  Her favorite pastime is reading, and her favorite collegiate course was Modern France. Majoring in teaching social studies, Newman hopes to remain involved in athletics and in the Northland, even when her collegiate playing career ends. Her post-UMD plans involve "getting a job teaching and coaching somewhere in the area."
  Favorite...
• Pro Athlete: Kerri Walsh
• Professional Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
• TV Show: NCIS
• Band/Artist: Hunter Hayes
• Book: The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear
• Actor: Ryan Reynolds
• Actress: Kate Hudson
• Movie: Horrible Bosses
• Food: Mom's lasagna
• Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse
• Vacation Spot: "Anywhere WARM"
• Opponent: Minnesota Crookston
• Opponent's Arena: Minnesota Crookston
• Road Trip: St. Cloud State
• Game: Candy Crush or Mafia
• Website: d.umn.edu

Person you'd like to meet: Great Uncle Al

Biggest basketball strength: "knowledge of the game"

Biggest basketball weakness: "confidential"

If I could change one thing...? "be more outgoing"

Prized possession: pictures

Can't leave home without: cellphone

Biggest fear: heights and small spaces

Pet peeve: arrogance

First job: babysitter (14)