Senior Jazmin Shields signs to continue her basketball career at Ranger Junior College

Jazmin Shields, a four year varsity basketball starter, signed her letter of intent to play basketball at Ranger College, in Ranger, Texas, April 28.

She signed the letter in front of her family, team and coaches as she was accompanied by her father Perry Shields, mother Rachel Shields and brother Myles Shields.

“Jazmin is someone who’s been there for me since day one. We’ve always clicked and I’ve always looked up to her for inspiration and guidance on and off the court,” sophomore varsity player Lauren Garcia said. “She’s truly impacted my life in great ways and I know she’s moving onto great things.”

Shields, a model student, has played basketball for the last 13 years. She has grown into a leader for her team as she was one of the few who has played on varsity all four years.

“She is truly the student athlete we expected her to be,” varsity coach Lance Edge said.

Shields is the epitome of a student athlete, managing her academic life, social life and athletic life and she has thrived in it all. She is described as an outgoing person, leading her youth group at her church in Plano and has impacted everyone she has met in her life.

“I am very excited to see how she’s going to do on the court in the next level,” Edge said. “Jazmin Shields is a true talent in basketball. Ranger College is truly lucky to be able to have a student athlete like Jazmin.”

Shields has been an inspiration to junior varsity players, including sophomore Shelby Wischnewsky.

“Jazmin is a true inspiration to me because of her work ethic and her relationship with God,” Wischnewsky said.

She has been described as extremely focused in the ladies basketball program.

“Jazmin takes care of her business in class and on court, as she is a huge success in our basketball program,” Edge said.

Shields was taken down with an injury in her senior year of basketball, but she has used the situation to become stronger.

“She did great in high school, throughout four years she has spent on varsity,” senior Ivy LaPorte said. “She had a rough senior year, getting injured and not being able to play. I believe this made her stronger, as she learned not only to lead the team on the court, but off the court as well. She became their loudest cheerleader on the bench, as well as a leader in spirit.”

Everyone who knows her is extremely excited for this opportunity to play at the next level, and everyone believes she will perform well, especially under pressure.

“I think she will excel in college as she is an outstanding player as well as extremely outgoing,” LaPorte said. “She will mesh well with her new teammates and I am very excited to see what is in store for her.”

Shields is extremely excited to move onto the next level, but she does not yet feel like it’s time.

“I’m excited for the season next year, but at the same time I’m still shocked. I feel as If I have at least one more game in front of the coaches here at Wylie East,” Shields said. “It doesn’t feel real quite yet to me. I’m excited for what is coming and I am blessed at the fact of what God has given me, which is the opportunity to go to college and continue to play basketball.”