Senior Jasmine Scott knew that she was capable of the next step in her athletic career, with thanks to her coachable mindset and uplifting leadership, it was no surprise when she committed to the University of Dubuque to pursue a career in running track and field at the collegiate level.  

Starting track later than most, Scott first exposed herself to the sport in 8th grade through joining the Lake Bluff Middle School’s track team. She took a brief break from running her freshman year of high school, but resumed the following year.

Scott’s recruiting process started by creating a profile on NCSA (Next College Student Athlete), looking to get matched with different schools, specifically smaller schools, while finding the best fit for her.

Scott describes that the recruiting process wasn’t easy at first, as she faced hardship in the early process. That was until a certain school caught the attention of the aspiring runner.

“At first, there were no schools that I was interested in, and once Dubuque reached out to me, I did research on the school, and it ended up being perfect for me,” said Scott.

Scott explained that her major of flight operations and aviation management is specific, and not offered at several colleges. When Dubuque initially showed interest in Scott’s career as a future runner, she was more than thrilled considering they allowed the opportunity to pursue her intended major. 

On the track, Scott affirms the 200 meter to be her favorite event, due to the ability to easily track her form and progress. Specializing in short sprints, Jasmine has proved to be a hardworking athlete not just to benefit herself, but her team as well. 

Pilar Rosales, a fellow senior teammate to Jasmine can attest to her reliability as a keystone on the team. 

“Jasmine is an uplifting teammate that always shows up. No matter the weather or the workout she will be there and give 100%,” said Rosales.

Not only has she proven her reliability to her teammates and peers, but those who coach her praise her well-roundedness as a student, athlete, and individual. 

Steve Clegg coached Jasmine over the years, and watched her develop as both an athlete and individual.

“She’s wonderful on all the teams that she’s been on with me. She is just always someone who is going to work really hard, do her best, and be super positive and enthusiastic. She is a really good teammate,” said Clegg. 

Clegg is both an Economics and Psychology teacher at LFHS, and uniquely teaches Scott, alongside coaching her. He praises Jasmine’s versatility as an athlete, explaining that she has participated in several sports at LFHS, including field hockey, cross country, diving, gymnastics, and basketball. 

“She’s gifted academically and athletically to be able to achieve success in those areas. She just has that kind of personality of being driven, but then enjoying it kind of along the way, and bringing other people along with her, which makes her a really special person,” said Clegg.

Jasmine recognizes her older brother, Jahari Scott, as a mentor to her throughout her running career. With his advice and expertise on visualization of track and field, and form when it comes to running, he has played an impactful role in Scott’s progress as an athlete.

As someone who Scott has always looked up to, her older brother helped drive the desire to compete and train at the collegiate level. 

“In general, he’s always been a good role model and someone I looked up to and have always wanted to be as accomplished as, which is another reason I wanted to compete at a collegiate level,” said Scott.

Scott’s training on and off season is a mix of diverse exercises and programs to strengthen her running technique. Despite the lack of an indoor track to practice on, creative practices are put in place to supplement. Plyometrics and the use of the weight room are enjoyable and helpful resources for Scott. 

Scott recognizes her coaches Mr. Alexander Mann and Mr. Steve Clegg, along with retired Mr. Brad Naughton, as foundational in her growth and practice of track and field, holding her accountable in order for her to reach the next level. 

“If I am having a bad day, I can talk to them so they can reassure me that I’m on the right path, and that I am just having an off day. They’re all such great people and great coaches,” said Scott. 

With the access to new facilities and resources, Scott is bound to thrive both athletically and academically at the collegiate level. 

“I am really excited to have more specific training, and just see how much I progress, because I think I have a lot more potential. Also, I really just love meeting new people, so that’s also what I am looking forward to with college,” said Scott.