Norfolk State University point guard and graduate student Jasha Clinton took an unlikely path to her senior year.
After graduating from the renowned girls’ basketball program at Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, she played at Temple and Hampton universities before taking a break her junior year to have a child.
Now, she’s back on the court for her senior year at Norfolk State University and looking for a fourth championship.
Media partner She Scored Sports spoke to Clinton before the beginning of the MEAC Tournament.
She Scored Sports: You're a Hampton Roads native and a four-time state champion from Princess Anne. When you think about the journey from Princess Anne to Temple, Hampton and now Norfolk State, what words would you use to describe what it’s like?
Jasha Clinton: Really just heartbreak and determination to even still want to after having a kid, coming back and playing basketball took a lot -- took a lot of energy out of me, and I also breastfeed, so making sure I took care of my body as well. It was a lot on me, but I'm still here last year, hoping to get this fourth championship.
SSS: Hampton Roads has produced some incredible basketball talent. What do you think makes this area so special when it comes to developing players?
J.C: I just think we all just have that dog in us. The 757 area, everybody you can think of, I just feel like they’re just … ready to go out on the court. We ain't really too dynamic. We just think and play.
SSS: How did playing for Coach (Darnell) Dozier at Princess Anne prepare you for college basketball?
J.C: Playing for Dozier at Princess Anne helped me for college basketball because I feel like his program is very strict, and it's like college. Even though we (were) at the high school level, like going from literally practicing every day, well, of course, not Sundays, but still, we practice every day, and we practice hard. So I feel like it’s the same intensity once I got to the college level
SSS: After playing at Temple and Hampton, what made Norfolk State the right place for your final season?
J.C: I think what made it right for my last season, I would say (is) trying to continue that legacy that they carry of winning. Going into this week, hopefully we get the dub.
SSS: What has it been like playing for Coach Woods in this program?
J.C: It's been very challenging coming from another program. Just have to learn a new style of players, coaching style, and I just feel like as a team, we came a long way.
SSS: Coach Woods has called you the engine that makes this team go. What does it mean to you to lead the team from the point guard position?
J.C: I just know every game I got to come out here and work hard, regardless if I can score the ball, but not always tell my teammates I'm gonna come out in the game. I'm gonna get 110 so as long as we do that, we'll come out on top.
SSS: You mentioned being a mother. How has that changed your life while pursuing basketball?
J.C: Pursuing basketball and being a mother changed my life, because I just know I got something bigger to live for. I can't be out here acting the fool, doing all that crazy stuff I used to do, having a little attitude, because I got somebody looking at me. And in order for her to be good, I got to be better.
SSS: What does it mean to have your daughter? What does it mean to have your daughter watch you chase your dreams?
J.C: It means a lot to me. Hopefully I get this championship so she can see that, and one day, like, not right now, she'll understand, but one day, she will. And hopefully my goal is carried on to her.
SSS: You took time away from the game and worked yourself back to the court. What did that journey teach you about yourself?
J.C: It really taught me that, oh, I'm a tough person. I don't feel like I acknowledge myself enough, and I'm thankful (for) the people around me … like just hearing them really tell me, like, I'm proud of you. Stuff like that really goes a long way, because I don't think I acknowledge myself and all I do. I'm just thankful to hear other people say … like, you’re such a good mom. Like, I know I am, but it's good to hear other people say it too.
SSS: With this being your final season of college basketball, what legacy do you hope to leave behind for the next generation of players?
J.C: I would say not giving up because I could have gave up and I could have quit basketball I had my child, but I didn’t let that stop me. I feel like I came back a lot better, like I'm much calmer in the game, like I slow down and think about what I do instead of just going fast, fast, fast all the time.
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