Jasmine Youngthunder '17 Recruiting Profile

I'm a Native American from the Ho-Chunk Tribe in Wisconsin.  I wish to represent my people through my hard work ethic and achievements in both athletics and academics. When I am on the court I am there for one reason, to play hard and with honest effort. Honest effort meaning that I gave my all to the task at hand. This way I can show people there are no limits to what you can become. This is why I aspire to play on a highly competitive level in college, and hopefully beyond.  

I've played travel volleyball with my local team since 4th grade. In 8th grade, I played for Viterbo University's 14u club team.  Freshman year I played for my high school's JV team, and later that year I played for Capitol Volleyball Academy 15u Red  team.  That summer I got invited by a college coach to perform at No Ka Oi Volleyball Showcase in Hawaii.  After freshman year, my family decided that homeschooling would let me be able to have more flexibility, so I could train and play on a more rigorous schedule for all three sports I play (basketball, volleyball, and softball).  My route is not a traditional one, but it has let me better prepare myself for the collegiate level by opening up opportunities for extra and one-on-one training with coaches from all over. It has also given me the chance to play with every type of coach and player making me able to adjust to change quickly and easily.  The next year, I was able to train with setting coach Cathy Noth (former Olympic player and coach of a National Championship volleyball team).  That year I played for CVA's 16u Navy team, and we took 8th at the AAU National Championship in Orlando, FL.  I was re-invited to the No Ka Oi Showcase, and this time our team took second place in the tournament. The next year I moved to Florida to attend IMG Academy's women's basketball program; where I was able to train with highly skilled coaches to improve my basketball skills, strength, speed, and endurance. I had received a personal invitation from Coach Shell Dailey the previous year while attending one of her summer camps.  IMG Academy's program has helped me improve my athleticism, mental conditioning, and leadership skills, which has also helped in volleyball. IMG Academy has also helped me prepare for a rigorous training schedule very similar to that of many colleges. Since I was home schooled and in Florida, I was able to play for Bayshore High School's Varsity team, where I was able to adapt quickly to a new set of teammates.  At the end of the season, I ( along with one of the senior outside hitter) was awarded Co-MVP. That year I played club ball for Tampa Elite Volleyball Club on 17u  - Stephanie's team.  At the Big South Qualifier in Atlanta, GA, we took third place.  For my senior year I remained in Florida as homeschool student. I continued to play for Bayshore High School, this time I played volleyball, basketball, and softball.  For Volleyball I was awarded MVP and we took district runner-up two years in a row. For basketball I was offensive player of the year and we also took district runner up. Softball we came away with the district championship. That year I play club volleyball for Manatee Area Volleyball. I also was played in the No Ka Oi Volleyball Showcase for my third year and my team took the Championship title. 

I was recruited to play volleyball for Alcorn State University by Chelsey Lucas. I was apart of both the volleyball and basketball teams starting my sophomore year. I was awarded 2019 Best Female Sportsmanship out of all Alcorn athletics.

Now, I am looking for a new home. A place were I can play at a highly competitive level and get a good education. I came to college to play sports and am excited for a new experience with a new school. I am competitive and a hard worker. If I can't do it now I won't stop until I can. I am not afraid of challenges. English used to be my worst subject but that didn't stop me from  majoring in it. I have been pulling great grades, which I believes shows a strong mental toughness because I like to challenge my self and I do not back down from daunting tasks. I give my all to push my boundaries and to become a better person and player. I love being a good teammate that pushes and encourages everyone on my team. All around I like to push myself to see how far I can go. It doesn't matter if it is game play, practice, academics, running/sprints, or the weight room I love to push myself and others. I believe I am a great team player. I love to win but I do not let losses stop me from trying harder the next time. Life's journey is full of different trails that test you; from the minor to the major ones I believe they all have something you can learn from. I never give up and I plan to work hard to accomplish my dreams. Dreams in this case involve playing sports competitively and helping take as many wins a we can.