New Women’s Basketball Player Will Always be ‘Doctor’ to her Family

Lyrik’ Jackson ’22 is used to being in the center of the action on the basketball court. She applied those instincts and her ability to stay calm under pressure as she found herself in a situation this summer that she won’t soon forget.

She was at home, preparing to begin her studies at the University of New Haven, when her sister, who was pregnant with twins at the time, unexpectedly went into labor at home long before her September due date.

Jackson sprang into action. She called the doctor, who told her she might have to help deliver the twins. She did just that, catching both of her baby nephews.

“When I sat with my brother on the porch afterward, we just looked at each other like, what just happened?” said Jackson, a Syracuse, New York, native. “I just said ‘wow.’ It was amazing.”

The paramedics and Jackson’s mother arrived soon after the babies. Jackson’s sister and the twins, Jacob and Jacoby, are all doing well.

“It is still shocking,” said Jackson. “It was a great experience, but I hope I don’t have to do it again.”

One of the newest members of the University’s women’s basketball team, Jackson transferred to the University at the start of the fall semester from Mohawk Valley Community College, where she was First Team All-Conference, All-Region, and All-Nation. A Syracuse Academy of Science alumna, Jackson graduated as that school's all-time leading scorer.

Jackson is excited to be part of Charger Nation and to be pursuing a degree in business management. Her family, however, still jokes about a slightly different career path.

“They call me Doctor Jackson,” she said. “They’ll tell my nephews that their aunt delivered them in the bathroom.”