Contrary to popular belief, there were actually six members of the Jackson 5. All had talent, but only five could be in the limelight.

Similar to the band of brothers, there is a Jackson left out of the starting line up for the ISU women’s basketball team. Junior guard Shala Jackson began the season as a starter for the Redbirds.

Six games into the season, Jackson lost her starting spot to junior guard Hannah Spanich, who is in her first season playing for the ‘Birds after transferring from New Mexico State.

Although the loss in the lineup came as a blow to Jackson, her attitude since the beginning of the season has eased the transition from starting player to vying for off-the-bench minutes.

“My approach towards the game has really changed a lot,” Jackson said. “I feel like I’m more dedicated and just more about the team.”

Jackson’s embracing of the role of being an upperclassman, leader and team player has not gone unnoticed by head coach Robin Pingeton.

“Anytime you’re an upperclassman, you see things out of a different lens … I think she’s a lot more aware and into our team as a whole,” Pingeton said. “She’s really made that last step in what we needed from a commitment standpoint.”

Jackson flourished prior to becoming an upperclassman. In her rookie season at ISU, the Ft. Wayne, Ind., native was a Valley All-Freshman team selection who appeared in all 33 games with seven starts. Jackson was a piece to the puzzle in helping the team reach the NCAA tournament in 2008.

ISU got knocked out in the first round against Oklahoma, but Jackson had a satisfying game, generating 17 points with three assists against the No. 4 seed.

In her sophomore season, Jackson started all 31 games that she played. She also recorded three double-doubles and scored a career high 21 points.

After being a solid starter in the previous season, some may think that being removed from a starting lineup would discourage a player, yet the move has had the opposite effect on Jackson.

“We always ask that they set aside their personal goals for the good of their team and really put this program first and she’s done that with great class,” Pingeton said.

Keeping her focus directed towards the team, Jackson takes it upon herself to motivate.

“One of the things that I’m really focusing on is keeping my teammates up and not letting them get deflated,” Jackson said. “I just really want our team to come together, stay focused and continue on the right track that we’re on right now.”

The ‘Birds are currently on a four game win streak, their best of the season, and are tied for third in the Missouri Valley Conference after taking out top dog, Missouri State, on the Bears’ home court on Jan. 18.

Although Jackson may not have an impact in how the game starts, Pingeton feels that she has an impact on how the games end.

“[Jackson] really is a key component to the success that we’ve had. I love how hard she plays,” Pingeton said. “I think she’s all about our team and a great team player. She’s willing to do whatever it takes to be successful.”

For Jackson, success has actually come in the form of her playing time off the bench. As a starter, Jackson averaged 5.0 points per game and 3.4 rebounds per game. Since becoming a non-starter, Jackson now averages 6.7 points per game and 3.7 rebounds per game.

Pingeton expressed that Jackson’s explosiveness, athleticism and strength are her strong points that can make her an elite player.

“She’s a special player and I think the sky is really the limit for her,” Pingeton said. “I think Shala’s got a lot of greatness in her and I think over the next year you’re going to see a lot of great things to come from Shala Jackson.”

In the meantime, Jackson plans to just continue working on the little things such as making sure to get in the gym and get more shot repetitions in, while continuing to be the best team player she can be.

“The whole program is a family,” Jackson said. “Our chemistry and the way we approach each other and act on and off the court…it’s just amazing. Play for each other. That’s our approach to everything.”

Although the starting lineup has fluctuated, Jackson has not been left out in the cold because just like the Jackson 5, at the end of the day, they are family.