NAOTB: Jazmine Wilkinson

Each week, McKinzie Green of 12thMan.com checks in with a newcomer on the Texas A&M soccer team.

This week, transfer forward Jazmine Wilkinson chatted about arriving in Aggieland where she joins fellow Canadians Mia Pante and Andersen Williams.

What’s your favorite thing about being in Aggieland so far?

“So far, I think the culture is on a whole different level than anything I’ve experienced. Everyone is just so welcoming. You can talk to anyone. It’s just a really fun environment to be in every day.”

What are your career aspirations after graduating college?

“I would love to take soccer as far as I can, whether that’s going pro or even working in the industry somewhere. But I would love to go pro first, maybe play in the States. I think that fits my style of play.” 

At what part of the transfer process did you decide to come to Texas A&M?

“It all happened pretty quickly in the fall. I wanted to make that change in around November. I remember one of my teammates, Mia, texted me and said that her coach saw me in the portal and asked if I wanted to come to A&M. I said yeah, definitely. It happened within a week after that.” 

Are you excited to play in front of the 12th Man?

“For sure, I’m very excited. I think Ellis is one of the best atmospheres in NCAA soccer. Playing in front of the 12th Man is going to be really exciting. I’m looking forward to it.”

Who would you say is your biggest soccer inspiration?

“I would say Fernandinho, he used to play on Man City for a long time. He was the captain there. I think he is very similar in the way I play. He’s a great soccer player all around and a good teammate. He has a lot of knowledge and wisdom. He’s someone I look up to as a player.”

What have the coaches been working on with you for your own player development?

“This was an interesting situation. I used to be a midfielder and now I’m transitioning to more of a forward role. I’m working on what a forward would think to do like playing off the ball, receiving, and turning.”

What do you think are your best soccer attributes?

“I think physicality is one of my strong suits. I can hold the ball off very well. I’m also pretty good in the air, getting headers, whether that’s on set pieces or even an open play. I think I’m very in control of my body and physically, I’m a threat.”

What did you like about A&M while on your visit?

“Funny enough, I actually didn’t get a visit. With the process happening so fast in the fall, I had no time to get out to visit. But I was very lucky to be here in the spring and get to know the girls on the team.”

What are your career ambitions after you’re done playing soccer?

“I’m in journalism right now and I would love to work in that type of field with a pro sports team. So, I want to be a journalist or a commentator in the soccer world.”

What are your earliest moments of playing soccer?

“When I started to walk was the first memory I have. Kicking a ball around with my dad in the hallway. Just going out to the field whenever we had a spare moment.”

What did you know about A&M before you came here?

“I knew it was a very big school. I think when you mention Texas A&M to anyone, they know the school just because of how big it is. But I think the culture and the fan base around here is so incredible and special.” 

When did you realize soccer was something you wanted to do long term?

“Probably in my early teen years. I think stepping into the White Caps program in Canada, which is a very high-level program, made me realize that soccer was something I could do for a long time. I had aspirations to be on the national team and playing for my country.”