McCafe Ballarat Player Profile: Jasmine Simmons

Jasmine Simmons - Player Profile 

Nickname: Jazz, Jazzy, J Frizzle

How did you get started in Basketball: I grew up in a small country town where sport was just what you did. My older brother played and I wanted to be like him when I was younger, so I jumped into basketball when I was around 7 (to this day I can’t beat him in 1 on 1)

Most admired opponent: Diana Taurasi. When I was at college we played an exhibition game against the USA Olympic side. This was such a memorable moment of my career, one that I will cherish forever. 

Biggest Basketball Influence or Role Model: Grahame Semmens is my biggest basketball influence. There are players that I aspire to be like and people that I think are great role models, but Grahame influenced me as a person and player more than I can put into words. He was one of my first coaches and I am so thankful for the time he invested in my life and career

Something people would be surprised to learn about you: Ohhh this is a tough one. I think something that might surprise people because I don’t tell many is that I love writing poetry, especially when I’m catching a sunrise or chasing a sunset

Outside of Basketball, what would be your dream job: My dream job is to become a life coach, and that is something I’m in pursuit of at the moment. Helping people achieve their dreams and giving them the tools to do so is something I aspire to do. The thought of helping others succeed is exciting to me and is what I aim to do when my sporting career comes to an end

Game Day Ritual: Unfortunately I don’t have any game day rituals to share. Depending on how I’m feeling determines the type of music I listen to before a game, other than that, I drink my coffee in the morning and treat it like any other day

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be: I WOULD CHOOSE TO BE A BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN!! This was a hard one but definitely a dolphin so I could see what it’s like to breathe under water as well as just having the freedom to explore the entire ocean (or as much as I could in a day)

If you could only eat one meal what would you pick: I would pick a rump steak medium to well with pepper sauce, chips and salad plus a Vanilla Coke and I would get a side of chocolate because that’s included in my meal

Name two things on your bucket list: Climb a pyramid in Egypt and Tackle a lion

Hobbies outside of Basketball: Adventuring with friends, discovering new coffee shops, exploring lakes and waterfalls, writing, playing guitar, spending time with family, chasing sunsets and sunrises, enjoying the little things in life

Favourites

Favourite McCafe Beverage: Cappuccino for me

All-time favourite basketball player: White Chocolate ( Jason Williams )

Favourite Band or Musician: This is such a hard question because i love music in general and to pick just one is wayy too hard

Favourite Sports Team outside of Basketball: New South Wales State of Origin side 

Favourite Childhood Memory: I have so many childhood memories but the accumulation of love and laughs with my family is what sticks out to me the most

Favourite way to spend a day off: Honestly just seeing where the day takes me. Whether I have a relaxed day or full day of adventures doesn’t bother me, as long as I’m in good company I’m a happy camper

Favourite and Least subject in school: I am still in school so psychology is my favourite subject and fortunately enough I don’t have a least favourite subject!

Favourite Basketball Drill: I love the 11 spot drill which is a fun shooting drill