"What do you want to be when you grow up?" This was the question that was posed to Jasmine Carson and her pre-k class at just two years old. Their homework was to think about this question, brainstorm possible careers they would be interested in, and come dressed up the following day as the profession they wanted to pursue. For Jasmine though, it was simple. This was a question she knew the answer to from the moment it was posed. The next day, Jasmine came into class wearing a basketball jersey and holding a basketball in her hand. Her mind was set—she wanted to be a professional basketball player. This was just the beginning. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, Jasmine remembers officially starting her journey playing basketball at the age of ten and immediately immersing herself in the game. Day in and day out, she aimed to strengthen her skills on the court and inch closer to her dream of playing the sport at the highest level. As she embarked on her high school career, Jasmine played two seasons at Memphis Central—where she helped lead the team to a district championship as a sophomore—before transferring to McEachern High School and concluding her career there. She was on a mission. From there, Jasmine played two seasons at Georgia Tech before joining West Virginia University's women's basketball program for the remainder of her undergraduate career. Throughout her time at each institution, Jasmine's goal remained clear: to continue leaving her mark on the game. Sure enough, she did just that. As a graduate transfer, Jasmine joined LSU for her final season of college basketball and helped the team to the National Championship. She hasn't slowed down since. As she begins this new chapter and enters the world of professional basketball, Jasmine is excited to make an impact both on and off the court while playing the game she has loved for as long as she can remember.
Let’s start with your collegiate journey early on! From Georgia Tech you transferred to West Virginia before concluding your collegiate career at LSU. Reflecting back, how do you think your game elevated throughout your time at each university?
I gained more experience. I knew what to look for before playing certain players, I learned how to study the scouting report even more, and I think my shooting got better. (Also) my defense, just me understanding the game, and being coachable.
Diving into your time at LSU, what was that moment like of winning the national championship?
Yeah! It was great because, as a kid, you aspire to win at one of the biggest levels—and that’s winning a national championship. So it felt great to do that. Knowing my journey, and how far I came, it was just a surreal feeling. It meant that I was getting better. I was dedicated to always getting better and working on my craft, and it showed at LSU. I just thought my game spoke for itself, you know? That I was putting in the work and the results came.
"That I'm mentally tough and anything that I face I can overcome. Also, that hard work always pays off and (that) it is important to always believe in yourself—because if you don't believe in yourself, nobody else will."
- Jasmine on some things she has learned about herself throughout this journey.
Whether it's tough losses or injuries, they're an array of challenges that one may face throughout this journey. Could you share your thoughts with us on the importance of having that mental focus or that mental toughness to overcome adversity?
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