Central Penn College student Jasmine Robinson scores 2000th career point

2014 Feb 19

Jasmine Robinson, a Central Penn College senior and the current leading scorer of United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) DII women's basketball, scored her 2,000th career point during the February 17 game against Christendom College. This is the first time a Central Penn student athlete has reached the 2,000 career point milestone.

Robinson, from Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Pa., is set to graduate from Central Penn in May with a bachelor's degree in corporate communications.

"I'm just amazed," says Robinson. "I did not see this coming. It took me two seasons and a few games to reach 1,000 points, and to be at 2,000 points just one season later is such a good feeling. I love the sound when I hear that swoosh and the ball slips through the basket. It's the happiest moment for me to make that play."

Robinson received the game ball, with her family at her side (and her dog, Kiinnee), during a special halftime ceremony. She also received the honor of being named one of the USCAA's players of the week for the week of February 18 for her contributions to her team.

"Jasmine is such a great shot, and believe it or not, she is the first person to pass the ball," says Head Coach Beth Baker. "Her skills show in the amount of time and hard work she puts into perfecting her game, while also encouraging and leading her teammates. She is a positive, energetic team player. Jasmine has a good heart and is talented in so many ways, on and off the court, and I know she will succeed in anything she puts her mind to. I am so proud of her."

As the current leading scorer of USCAA DII women's basketball with 30.4 points, Robinson has scored 639 points so far this season, has averaged 9.6 rebounds per game, and has scored 11 double doubles. She also scored a 46 point career high this year against Penn State Mont Alto.

Robinson's 639 season points and 46 point career high are both Central Penn College records for the women's team. She is Central Penn's women's career leader in games played and rebounds scored.

"I learned so much from Coach Baker," says Jasmine. "She gave me the confidence and knowledge to become a better player, a better athlete and a better person. Also, I would also stay an extra 45 minutes after practice with Assistant Coach Jason Barshinger because he taught me that practice is never over. I definitely worked hard, and it's because of the work ethic he instilled in me that I have the privilege to be at 2,000 points."

When not at school, Robinson can be found practicing her shooting technique at the local YMCA. Last summer, she participated in a women's summer league in Bethlehem, Pa. Robinson served as a team captain in the 2013/2014 season, earned two USCAA Honorable Mention All American honors, was the Central Penn November 2013 athlete of the month and the November 2011 student of the month.

Robinson also attributes her success to Athletic Director Ed Liesch, who according to Jasmine, "made sure I stayed on top of my grades" and who "I could talk to about anything."

"This is such a huge milestone in collegiate basketball, especially women's basketball," says Liesch. "Jasmine's growth over the years, not just as a ball player, but as a leader, has been impressive. I'll always remember when she came to my office and asked if she could sacrifice her playing time so that another player, who practiced hard but did not get much time on the court, could play.

In addition to being a part-time worker at the Charles "T" Jones Leadership Library on campus, Robinson was president of the Student Government Association for one year, earned the Dean's List five times and is a Central Penn College Education Foundation scholarship recipient.

"Always push yourself and never sell yourself short," says Jasmine as she quotes her communications professor Maria Thaiw, who she says pushed her to be her best.

"Jasmine Robinson is relentless," says Thiaw. "She has a goal and she goes for it. She never waits for anyone's magic bullet, she constantly tries and she always asks questions."

Robinson hopes to stay in the central Pennsylvania area after graduation. Her ultimate goal is to return to Central Penn as a professor after working in her chosen field. When not playing basketball, Robinson enjoys playing the drums in her band and at her church.

In addition to men's and women's basketball, Central Penn College began to offer women's volleyball in 2013, and in 2014 will offer men's and women's soccer, men's and women's cross country and men's baseball.