Golden Valley track star ready for ‘new experiences’ after signing with East Coast college
Jazmine Severo is excited for new experiences and a change of scenery.
The Golden Valley track star will get her wish after signing her national letter of intent to accept a scholarship in track and field to the College of Staten Island in New York on Thursday.
She signed the letter at Golden Valley just before the start of track practice. Severo posed for photos with the entire track team and coaches after a short signing celebration.
“This means a lot,” Severo said. “I’ve been looking toward this since my freshman year. I finally get a chance to explore more.”
Severo specializes in the high jump where she’s improved over a foot since attending Golden Valley. She’s also excelled in the long jump and triple jump.
At the Central California Conference center meet last week she won all three events.
“When she started here after eighth grade she was jumping 4 foot, 2-inches,” said Golden Valley track coach John Wooding. “Now she’s clearing 5-4 regularly. She’s improved over a foot and she’s made strides in the long jump and triple jump.”
Her coaches credit her work ethic for her steady improvement.
“She had the misfortune of being a COVID kid,” said Golden Valley coach Jacqueline Wooding. “She had no season and her junior season was cut short. We didn’t know what type of season we would have this year with the COVID surges. Through all that she continued to work out not knowing what would happen. That says a lot about her maturity.”
Severo is unsure what she’ll major in at the College of Staten Island. She said she felt comfortable right away with the coaches.
“They made me feel like I was already one of their athletes,” Severo said. “They were talking about their expectations for me and workouts.”
The Cougars senior said she loved the campus when she took her official visit in November. She excited for live on the East Coast and experience New York.
“My parents have always told me to open up my horizons and look outside our boundaries,” Severo said. “I’m excited for whole new experiences.”
Her Golden Valley coaches will miss her.
“Not only is she a phenomenal athlete, but she also takes care of everything else,” said Cougars coach Jacqueline Wooding. “She sets things up, she puts everything away, she knows our routines and expectations. They are getting a young lady who is way more than an athlete.”
