Graduate Student jumper Jazmin Ray has been selected as the ‘South Texan Spotlight’ athlete for the issue. Ray has broken records, including her very own, this year.
In the indoor season Ray set a school record in triple jump also finishing as Second Team All American and being named LSC Field Athlete of the Week.
Ray has excelled in the outdoor season. She wasted no time breaking another school record with a record-breaking triple jump of 12.50m. Then just the following week she broke her newly set record with a new jump of 12.73m.
Q: Tell me about yourself and where you are from?
A: My childhood was spent living in East Texas and I later graduated from Whitehouse High School. I am an extroverted individual who is happy to get to know new people. I initially attended Southwest Baptist university out of high school but transferred to TAMUK in the Fall of ’22. I am beyond blessed to have so many people supporting me from my hometown and the university.
Q: What are your favorite hobbies outside of athletics and academics?
A: I love to travel, spend time with friends, and try new things. Experiencing the world through food, new adventures and different perspectives is incredibly rewarding. At the same time, I also value my downtime – resetting at home, enjoying time alone and catching up on my favorite shows.
Q: Favorite experience/moment at TAMUK?
A: Rediscovering my love for track is one of my favorites. Early in my collegiate career, I found myself in an enviroment that did not align with who I wanted to become. However, when Coach Dall emphasized that the top priority would be staying healthy. I knew I had found my new home. Over the past three years at TAMUK, I have built strong relationships with the coaching staff and my teammates. These relationships created a journey filled with laughter, milestones and hard work.
Q: What does your game/meet day routine look like for you?
A: It begins the night before with visualization and a Bible study before bed, helping me prepare mentally and spiritually. To keep my focus solely on competition, I make sure to handle all academic responsibilities beforehand. On meet day, I keep meal light with a small breakfast and coffee before getting dressed in my signature graphic long socks. When it’s time to compete, I center myself with positive self-talk, a prayer for health, and a mental and physical walkthrough of my jump. I like to stay loose between jumps by dancing or singing whatever song is stuck in my head. I approach every jump attempt the same way-trusting my preparation and leaving the rest in God’s hands.
Q: What are your goals after college?
A: My priotiy is to live a fulfilling life while continuously striving for growth. I have never envisioned a traditional career path-I want to create something of my own that makes a meaningful impact. Life is too short to spend decades in a 9-to-5, only to retire when its to late to truly enjoy it. Another dream of mine it’s too travel to every continent .