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Whitefish Bay Dominican High School basketball coach who was shot is motivating his players to win
Whitefish Bay Dominican High School basketball coach who was shot is motivating his players to win
WHITEFISH BAY (WITI) -- When a Whitefish Bay high school basketball coach was shot in December, his players were mortified. Now, they're motivated. For the first time, Coach Derick Jenkins is talking about the very scary incident.
The Whitefish Bay Dominican girls basketball team has a huge game on Thursday, February 12th. They're using the last few months as motivation to win it.
There is no lack of motivation among the players and the coaches at Dominican High School in Whitefish Bay. From the players to the coaches, winning goes beyond the court.
"Basketball is so related to life," Coach Jenkins said.
For the Dominican High School girls basketball team, there is an extra drive for a team that pushed through the unexpected together.
"December 8th is a day I'll never forget," Jenkins said.
Jenkins' life changed forever.
"I was coming out of my home. As I was coming out of my home, someone shot me," Jenkins said.
Two suspects hiding in Jenkins' garage made him stop in his tracks early that morning.
"I was in shock. I just couldn't believe this had just happened to me," Jenkins said.
Jenkins suffered a non life-threatening bullet wound to his left shoulder.
"I've learned about forgiveness. I've learned about not taking any days off," Jenkins said.
His recovery was fast. He quickly returned to coaching.
"I didn't want this act of evil to diminish what we have accomplished here," Jenkins said.
Jenkins' daughter Sydnee plays on the girls basketball team. He doesn't only help coach his daughter on the court, but he's inspiring an entire team.
"He just loves it. This is his family," Sydnee Jenkins said.
"Always put your best foot forward and don't let anything stop you," Dominican High School senior Erin Desing said.
"We play harder, we take practice more serious," a Dominican player said.
"To let him know all of those practices weren't for nothing," a Dominican player said.
Because in the end, it's not about winning or losing -- but about how you lived your life.
"If they can see me come back and persevere through this, I think they can handle anything that life throws at them," Jenkins said.
No one has been arrested in connection with the shooting that injured Jenkins. Police continue to investigate.
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