Silhouette

Issue date: 3/27/03 Section: Sports

Jasmine Irving shows her defensive skills while competing against Cowley County for the region VI championship Christine Siebert/Silhouette

Road TO CHAMPIONS

Jasmine Irving has it all: determination, stamina, and a passion for a game that she has always loved.

Although Irving could be living the normal teenage life, she dedicates her life to basketball.

"In my free time I just eat and talk to my friends," Irving said. "Basketball is my life. There's nothing aside from that. I know that if I'm doing one thing, two minutes later I will be playing basketball. I usually spend my free time just trying to relax."

The San Antonio native got her roots in basketball by her mother. Irving's mother played basketball when she was young, and by the time she was in fourth grade, Irving wanted to know what the big deal is.

"My mother played basketball, and she was good," Irving said. "I finally started playing with the guys and that's where I got my start. I would play against everybody everywhere. I got my start playing at recs and parks."

Her mother, who passed away before she came to GCCC, played a large role during her career and her life.

"When she died, she was preparing me to leave," Irving said. "She showed me what I can do and I use her as a motivation."

Irving went against the feelings of mourning and despair and did something that most people wouldn't have the strength to.

"When I think about my mother's death, I don't think about it as a loss," Irving said. "It's more like she's still here pushing me. It hurt to lose her, but I'm still strong. I know she's still by my side."

Irving is doing what she can to make her mother's dreams for her come true.

"I lost her at a tragic time," Irving said. "I was graduating from high school and starting college, which is something my mother was very proud of."

Along with her mother being a large inspiration in her career, Irving also looks to other people's negativity to motivate her.

"My motivation is people who don't believe in me," Irving said. "They give me the stamina I need. I love people who say I can't do it and hate on the game. It's a stepping stone for me."

When Bobby Brasel, head women's basketball coach, first saw Irving, he was impressed by her style on and off the court.

"She has a great personality," Brasel said. "She has definitely been a great asset to the program."

Brasel said that Irving is a different kind of player.

"She has the athletic ability, the size, and the skills that make her different," Brasel said. "Off the court, she has a great demeanor and is very optimistic. This perfect demeanor, with the personal skills, allows Jasmine to improve everyday."

This season for the Busters, Irving was the team's top scorer.

"She scored a lot of points and got a lot of rebounds," Brasel said. "She is a good fit for the team. She's consistent to her self and she has been her own person."

Brasel also said Irving made close bonds within the team.

"Her relationship with her teammates has made it easier for her to be successful," he said.

Chareka Terry, Plano, Texas, said she loves Irving's determination and athleticism.

"Jasmine runs a fast-paced game," Terry said. "She's able to score in transition. She's also a great player on and off the court. I love Jasmine because she's a freshman that plays at a sophomore level."

Irving plans to continue her communications degree in the fall of 2004 at a division one university.

"I know that when I go to a four-year school, my life will take off," Irving said. "I know I can achieve what a lot of people can't. I know I can take it to the next level."

Irving says that if a person were to pursue a career in basketball, they should just keep their head up.

"All I can say is follow your dreams," Irving said. "You need to step over people who are knocking you down and strive for your goals."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools