Southern Virginia senior men’s basketball guard Anders Jacobson has experienced a lot during his collegiate years – including starting out at BYU-Hawaii, leaving SVU for a two-year mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Denver, Colo., and getting married. Jacobson is a liberal arts major who enjoys his faith, watching his favorite teams play on television, and spending time at “The Barn.” INTRODUCING … Anders Jacobson.

Briefly, what is your background in the sport you play?   

I have been playing basketball since I could walk.  My Dad is a huge basketball fan and my brothers were always playing so it’s what I always wanted to do.  I played Rec ball, AAU, middle school, and high school and any camps I had the chance to attend.  In high school my coach, Chad Williams, helped me excel and have the chance to play in college.  I attended BYU-Hawaii my freshman year but was forced to redshirt after having gall-bladder surgery.  I transferred to SVU and played three years before leaving on a two year LDS mission to Denver, Colo.  I got home in May and am excited about my last year to play college ball.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  

My major is liberal arts. I’ve learned a lot about history and it’s allowed me to have a greater appreciation for those who came before me.  It’s also helped me to put my life in perspective because their trials were much harder than mine.

What is your favorite spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus is the gym or as we call it “The Barn”.  School can be pretty draining and it’s the best place to go shoot and workout to relieve some stress.  The Barn gets crazy because we have the best fans and home court advantage in the conference.

Outside of your home and campus, where is your favorite place visit?

I love going to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints temple in Washington D.C. with my wife.  It’s where we got married and the most peaceful place on earth.  It always helps me to remember the most important things in life.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in (on campus or off campus)?  

In my church, almost every member gets the opportunity to serve others in some way.  I get the opportunity to help full-time missionaries teach people about Jesus Christ in our community. It can be hard to find time with school and basketball but it has definitely blessed my life.

Briefly describe the most memorable experience during your collegiate athletic career. 

This one is a tie.  One of the most memorable experiences was winning the USCAA national championship in 2011 and I was lucky enough to be named MVP.  Winning a college championship is something that I always dreamed of.  As a kid you always pretend to hit all the big shots in your driveway to win a championship and for it to be a reality was surreal.   The other was having to opportunity to play college basketball with two of my brothers, Isaac and Jonathan.  Because of some unusual circumstances we were able to all play at the same time and all three of us were able to start.  Most people never get the chance to play a college sport with a sibling and I was lucky enough to play with two of mine.  I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything.

Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?

Along with family, Jesus Christ has been the most influential person in my life.  I didn’t understand our purpose here and how to be truly happy until I gained a relationship with Him.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?

I think the most important societal issue facing college students is the cost.  Tuition is extremely expensive for most students and when you add the cost of rent, food and social activities it can cause huge amounts of debt to accumulate.  This is causing many to leave school before graduating and many others have decided not to pursue any higher education.

If you could change any one item in the world (in your personal life, school, community, amateur or professional sports, national/international issue, etc.), what would it be, why, and how would you do it? 

I would want to change the way people judge others.  I think that if we could really see the hearts and true intentions of those around us, we would be less likely to say or do hurtful things to others.  I think there would be a lot more peace in the world.  I’m not exactly sure how to do that but I think if we all put God first we would start to think about others more than ourselves.  It’s definitely a process and a hard one that I haven’t fully figured out.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?

Television.  I love watching sports, especially college football and basketball.  My wife, Kaili, would probably say sports are on at our house way too much.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be? 

My advice would be to be pave your own path.  It’s really easy in the world today to want to fit in with the crowd and much harder to be a leader.  We need people who are willing to do hard things and be role models for the good in the world.  We need a lot more leaders.

Outside of the CAC, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  

I have two favorites: Duke Basketball and Michigan Football.  Duke because living in North Carolina you have to decide at an early age if you are a Duke or UNC fan, and I made the correct choice.  Michigan because my dad graduated from dental school there and both sets of my grandparents have lived in Michigan since I was little.  I have gone to games at the “Big House” almost every year.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with (and why)?   

1. John Wooden -  He was the greatest basketball coach of all time and I’d love to take in all the knowledge I can from him about basketball and life.

2.  Steve Jobs-  He was self-made was one of the hardest workers because of his drive to be the best.  He is one of the most successful people to ever live and has changed the world with his inventions.  I plan to run a business in the future and would love to ask him for ideas and advice.

3.  Will Ferrell - Comedies are my favorite type of movie and I think he is hilarious.  I love to laugh and have fun and I think that he’d be a lot of fun to spend time with.