Jasmine Carson is the latest to prove that you can start in Memphis and end up at the top of the world.
The 22-year-old Carson was a key member, and dazzling championship game performer, for the Louisiana State University women’s basketball team that captured the NCAA’s women’s basketball tournament title on Sunday (April 2).
The 5’10” guard left it all on the floor, playing one of the most spectacular games in her college career.
With 22 points and swishing five-for-five three-pointers, Carson helped drive the Louisiana State University (LSU) Women’s Basketball Program to its first national championship.
“I really didn’t feel like Sunday would be different from any other time on the floor,” said Carson. “But my teammates kept telling me this was going to be my night. Well, it was. I just went out there and played as hard as I could.”
Carson was all over the back court, sinking baskets from downtown as fans declared, “It’s raining threes.”
Carson’s shock of blonde hair gave her a unique look as she stepped onto the national stage Sunday.
“April 2 was the night I have worked so hard to achieve,” said Carson. “I have practiced beyond what is required because I wanted to get better.
“I wanted to get stronger in developing my abilities on the court. I always knew I could perform like I did Sunday night. All I needed was the opportunity.”
Reflecting on her eye-popping performance, Jasmine said she had been in a scoring slump.
“…But I always trust my hard work … I never stopped working and stopped believing in myself. So, you know, that night it was just an unbelievable atmosphere… when I had my opportunity and I took it … and I displayed what I can do when somebody’s given an opportunity.”
Jasmine’s parents are Bryan and Felicia Carson. She has one sister, Bryanna Gale Carson. Gale Jones Carson, vice president of Community Affairs for Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division, is her grandmother.
“I can remember when Jasmine was only 4 years old,” said Gale Jones Carson. “Her pre-K class was learning about all the different careers and vocations a person can go into. She went dressed like a basketball player.
“From a very young age, Jasmine has not wanted to pursue any other career except basketball.”
Carson signed up to play for award-winning LSU Coach Kim Mulkey as a graduate transfer. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from West Virginia University in May of 2022.
She is currently enrolled as a graduate student with an Information Systems and Entrepreneurship major at LSU.
During her high school career, Carson played two seasons at Memphis Central. The team won a district championship in her sophomore year. Carson wrapped up her high school career at McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, where she averaged 17 points and three steals per game as a senior.
After high school, Jasmine played at Georgia Tech from 2018-20, and transferred to West Virginia to play 2020-22.
Carson declared for the WNBA draft on Tuesday.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing professional basketball in the WNBA. Since I was a baby even, a toddler, I can remember from the first time I saw a basketball, I wanted to play.”
A 2018 Naismith High School Honorable Mention, Carson was named an Adidas All-American, and 3-AAA All-Region Player of the Year in 2018.
A three-star ESPN prospect and four-star by Prospect Nation, she also earned a place on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
Carson has delivered all season as the LSU’s top three-point shooting threat. During the Feb. 19 game against Florida, Carson shot a career-high 25 points, nailing seven three-pointers.
“I wanted to be part of a winning team,” said Carson. “It was such a wonderful journey, playing with our remarkable team. I felt like we could really go all the way.
“Sunday was our day for dreams coming true. It has been a great honor to play for Hall of Fame Coach Kim Mulkey.”
Carson was named to the NCAA Championship’s All-Tournament Team.
The 2023 WNBA Draft will be held on Monday (April 10) from 6-9 p.m., CDT.
