She was moments away from entering law school. But her team needed her.

So began the coaching phase of the memorable career of one of the University of Montana Lady Griz basketball team's most beloved individuals with strong family ties to the program. After 9 years as a player and assistant coach, Jordan Sullivan is taking her talents to a new program.

UM Sports Information Director Joel Carlson reports today (Friday) that Sullivan has accepted an assistant coaching position at the University of Utah. She will join the Utes staff next week.

How devoted was Jordan Sullivan and how much passion did she have to help the Lady Griz try to succeed after her playing career? In 2017, Jordan put her pursuit of a law degree on hold to take an assistant coaching position with Montana, under then head coach Shannon Schweyen, who was also one of her assistant coaches during her playing career from 2010-2014.

Jordan was a highly recruited star from Sidney (Montana) High School, who likely would have received more attention from more colleges were it not for the assumption that she would follow her heart and honor family ties that run deep in Lady Griz lore. Her mom, Sandy (Selvig) Sullivan, is a former player. Her uncle is legendary Lady Griz coach Robin Selvig. And one of her teammates during her playing career? Her cousin, Carly Selvig.

Joel Carlson's press release included this quote from Jordan: "I'm so grateful to have gotten to work at this amazing place and be surrounded by supportive people. That makes it hard to leave.

"From the players to the staff to the department to the community, how do you not feel sadness to leave such an amazing place like Montana? Those feelings mean it was really awesome to be here. To see where coaching is going to take me and what I want out of this career, I had to take a look at an opportunity like this. That's why I was willing to take a leap and leave a place I love, a place that's only been good to me and will always be home."

Current head coach Brian Holsinger will move forward with a staff of Nate Harris and Joslyn Tinkle and a new assistant to be hired at a later time.

On a personal note, as a devoted fan to the program, loved this gal as a player and an assistant. Congratulations and all the best, Jordan. You will be missed.

10 Businesses That Should Open a Location in Missoula

We asked, and you answered, and then we brainstormed a little bit too. Here are 10 businesses that we think should open a location in Missoula, Montana.

 

More From Montana Talks