“Emotional Farewell: Michigan’s Jordan Hobbs Reflects on Her Legacy After NCAA Tournament Exit”
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Jordan Hobbs fought back tears as she sat before the media, overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude. For four years, she poured her heart into Michigan Basketball, and now, she was addressing the world for the final time in a Wolverines uniform.
“The thing that’s just going through my head is gratitude,” Hobbs said, her voice trembling after Michigan’s 76-55 loss to Notre Dame in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. “Coach took a chance on me when I decommitted from Rice. She didn’t know what I was going to look like in four years, but I kept getting better.”
Hobbs’ journey with Michigan was one of steady growth. The Springboro, Ohio, native started on the bench as a freshman but carved out a key role by her sophomore year. By her junior season, she had cemented herself as a full-time starter, averaging 9.8 points, 4 rebounds, and a team-best 3 assists. This past season, she elevated her game even further, averaging nearly 14 points and 5 rebounds per game while delivering in clutch moments.
Her performances spoke for themselves:
- 19 points in a nail-biting loss to South Carolina
- 24 points in a dramatic comeback win over Indiana
- 23 points in a Big Ten Tournament victory against Maryland
- A career-high 28 points in Michigan’s NCAA Tournament-opening win over Iowa State
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico couldn’t hide her admiration for her star senior.
“It’s a tough one,” Barnes Arico admitted. “Jordan is so competitive — I couldn’t even give her a hug when I took her out because she was so enraged that we lost the game.”
But Hobbs wasn’t just a player; she was a leader. Last offseason, when Michigan was hit hard by transfers, she and her family doubled down on their commitment to the program.
“She was the first call,” Barnes Arico revealed. “Her parents were the first call. They said, ‘We want more. Let’s go. We believe in this program, we believe in Michigan, and we believe in you.’”
That belief helped Michigan exceed expectations this season, especially with a trio of freshmen stars — Mila Holloway, Olivia Olson, and Syla Swords — making waves. But through it all, Hobbs and fellow senior Greta Kampschroeder anchored the team with their selflessness and leadership.
“When you have two selfless people like they are as seniors inside your program, anything is achievable,” Barnes Arico said. “And we saw that this year, in a season where we didn’t know what things were going to look like.”
Hobbs leaves Michigan as a two-time All-Academic Big Ten selection and an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick this year. She played a pivotal role in keeping the Wolverines competitive, reaching the Sweet 16 as a freshman and ensuring the team returned to the NCAA Tournament every season.
Reflecting on her journey, Hobbs expressed nothing but love for the program that shaped her.
“Just so grateful that she called me that day when I decommitted,” Hobbs said. “That I was able to come here, put the Michigan uniform on, and learn from some of the best people I’ve ever met. Whether it’s the coaching staff, my teammates, or just the people at Michigan — I’m thankful for this experience.
Then, with unwavering pride, she added:
“Michigan is the best place on Earth. I will be an advocate for it until the day I die.”
