Jesse Martinez, University Communications
Jane Banister is a proud supporter of UTEP football as well as men's and women's basketball. The former president of the Woman's Auxiliary of The University of Texas at El Paso said she takes pleasure in sitting down and talking to athletes, and she admires their hard work and their determination to get high GPAs.
"These students are our future leaders of the country and it's important for them to get a good education," Banister said.
The Ohio native came to El Paso on business almost 30 years ago. She remembers watching UTEP compete in the Western Athletic Conference and the excitement surrounding the games. Banister has been a season-ticket holder ever since.
"My favorite moments are when we win the game at the last minute at the buzzer or make a touchdown in the last few seconds of the game," Banister said.
As exciting as those moments can be, Banister said she knows that winning doesn't always happen. She recalls her time playing clarinet with her high-school band and the lessons she learned about winning and losing.
"Being in band gives you responsibility because you have to work and you have to practice," Banister said. "Life is about winning and losing, and we have to learn we don't always win. We have to learn to be good losers as well as good winners."
Banister said that sports keeps student-athletes focused. But they only find success by working hard, practicing and following through on assignments from coaches. She added that doing so can make you a better person and it sets you up for life.
Banister said she is proud of the UTEP student-athletes that continue to push themselves no matter the outcome of a game.
"I give them so much credit for going back out on that field week after week," Banister said. "They work very hard, both men and women, at going out on the court and doing their best. I'm very proud of the students here. They put in a lot of effort and they don't give up. They're constantly working and striving to do better."
Banister describes herself as a proud UTEP Miner fan, and she urges the local community to continue their support of UTEP Athletics.
"Local support is important to UTEP; UTEP helps the city and the city helps UTEP," Banister said. "If you would like to be a donor, you're helping a student build their future and that's important for our country."
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