Top 2026 recruit Jenica Lewis maintains positive mindset despite diabetes diagnosis

Top 2026 recruit Jenica Lewis was diagnosed with diabetes almost a year ago. At first, anger was the only emotion she could feel. 

“Why me?” she’d ask herself in the days after the diagnosis.

Lewis had to change nearly everything about how she lived her life – carrying bags with her to take shots and constantly worrying that something bad would happen at school or practice. 

She tried to hide it initially, doing whatever she could to make sure her sensor wouldn’t go off. But now, she’s open about her struggles and sees it in a more positive light. 

“I have diabetes,” Lewis said. “It is what it is. Maybe there will be a cure one day, but it’s not going to stop me from playing basketball or doing anything I want to do.” 

There have been times when diabetes has made her basketball dreams difficult. She’s had to go to the hospital multiple times because her blood sugar would drop when she played. Lewis and her family have learned how to best manage the newfound challenges, but she maintains that positive mindset despite it all. 

“Everything happens for a reason,” Lewis said. “It’s not a part of me, it’s just something that I have to deal with, so I try to look at it that way.” 

Jenica Lewis has long list of scholarship offers

Jenica Lewis remains atop the 2026 rankings, coming in at No. 16 on ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60. The 5-foot-10 guard holds offers from top programs nationally, including Baylor, Iowa, Kansas State, Notre Dame and Iowa State. 

She’s already taken plenty of unofficial visits. She told On3 that this year she’s visited USC, UCLA, Iowa, Nebraska and more. She plans to take more in the fall as she travels and will start narrowing down a list following her junior season. 

The Johnston, Iowa native attends Johnston High School and plays for All Iowa Attack on the Nike EYBL circuit. She’s averaged 10.4 points, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals in 10 games this spring while shooting 48% from the field and 52% from deep.