Chloe Jackson has been passionate about fashion for as long as she can remember. From accessorizing her school uniforms to rocking the one leg sleeve on the court, Chloe was always captivated by the opportunity to create her own trends and think outside the box through her style growing up. Little did she know, but over the next few years, her personal journey in basketball would lead her back into the industry. During her time in the WNBA, Chloe’s love for fashion continued to heighten and shine through. It wasn’t until her time playing overseas though, that she decided to hang up her basketball shoes and completely immerse herself in the world of styling. She hasn’t looked back since. Since then, Chloe has not only started her styling business—PS. Chloelynn—, but she has also founded her own high fashion boutique. As she continues to merge her love for fashion, basketball and culture, Chloe is looking forward to leaving her mark in the industry in the years to come; while inspiring the next generation of young athletes and professionals to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams fearlessly, and never limit their potential. Truly inspiring!
Let's start with your time in college! You attended NC State before transferring to LSU and then going to Baylor. Could you share more with us about what that experience was like for you?
Going to three different schools to some people is kind of crazy. But, I started at NC State and actually got injured in like the third game of the season so I didn't even play that whole year. For me, sitting out and just seeing the things that were happening in the program and other things of that nature, I just found (that) it was in my best interest to transfer to LSU. Before I made that decision, obviously opening up your recruitment and all that—with me not even playing in my first year in college—, it was a leap of faith. You know, I was just hoping somebody wanted to take a chance on me from some of my high school accolades. LSU was one of the teams (that did), and I loved Nikki Fargas, so I decided to transfer there. I had to sit out another year. Two years of sitting out obviously was not ideal for me, but I thought it would be a time where I could grow and kind of see where I could come into the program and really make an impact on it. I ended up playing that next year finally and the year after that, and we did pretty well. We went to the tournament both years. I graduated on time after playing two seasons, so I was there for three years. After I graduated, I felt like I was kind of unfulfilled from that last season. I felt like I wasn't challenging myself enough. I felt like I wanted to play at that elite level and really get deeper into the tournament so (that) I could possibly make it to the next level and get those eyes on me.
So the next chapter, going to Baylor, was more of a business decision than anything. You know, it was a program that really challenged me and made me better in every way. The thing about when I transferred to Baylor, a lot of people did not understand it. They were like: “You have the ideal position at LSU. You were the star player. You played 40 minutes a game.” Going to Baylor, it was a very big leap of faith because they already had a point guard. If I wanted to go to the WNBA, I would have to show that I could play point guard. So it was a big leap of faith leaving there and having to play point guard in my first year. I knew I wasn't going to be starting, but I was just hoping to come off the bench, embrace that role, and do everything that I needed to do to win a championship and get seen. So I made that leap to Baylor, things happened, and I ended up getting that starting position. You know, I took Mulkey’s teachings and did the best that I could do. I just showcased my ability. I knew that if I made it to the championship, then I would make it to the next level. My dream growing up as a kid was always to play in the national championship and possibly win a championship. It’s a funny story. I want to say it was 2018, and me and my dad were driving up to Cleveland because that was where the Final Four was. I was in the car with him and I was like: “I'm gonna be here next year. I'm gonna be playing on this court. I'll be here.” I said that out loud to my dad, and sure enough, spoke it into existence.
During your time at Baylor, you guys made it to the NCAA Tournament, won the championship, and you personally earned the Most Outstanding Player Award. What was that experience like of not only participating in the Tournament and winning it all, but also being a standout with your personal performance there?
Yeah! It exceeded my expectations, I must say. I never went into it wanting to be the MOP or anything like that. I just wanted to win. I just wanted to do anything that I needed to do to win that game. Honestly, that was a blessing. Like I said, (going to Baylor) was a huge leap of faith and it just showed that if you believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything. I always say that if your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough. I live by that. You know, it’s about walking by faith, and the MOP was just icing on the cake.
Whether it's tough losses or injuries, there are an array of challenges that one may face along the way. Tell us a little bit more about the mental aspect of the game. How did you remain motivated throughout the times you faced adversity?