By Elizabeth Contreras
Union High School’s Jhazmyn Herron has been shooting hoops since she was barely old enough to hold a ball. Evolving from a childhood pastime inspired by her older brothers, basketball has grown into a passion fueled by commitment and sacrifice.
“My parents put a basketball in my hands when I was three, and I haven’t stopped playing since,” Herron shared.
With basketball being the first sport she ever played, Herron has spent years honing her skills and making sacrifices all for the love of the game.
“I’ve put in countless hours in the gym, training and refining my shot,” Herron said, noting that many people don’t realize the level of commitment it takes to be an athlete.
Nearly every part of her life, she explained, requires some form of sacrifice in order to fully dedicate herself to the game.
“People don’t realize how many sacrifices athletes have to make. Academically, socially, physically, and mentally,” she said.
From missing classes and time with friends to pushing through exhaustion and injury, Herron has learned that success on the court comes at a price. Still, she wouldn’t trade it for anything. Each challenge, she said, has shaped her into a stronger, more disciplined player, one who understands that greatness is built through resilience, not ease.
“The most important thing to me isn’t just that I perform well, but that my entire team performs to the best of our ability,” shared Herron, who describes her playing style as team oriented.
Herron takes pride in being the kind of player who uplifts those around her and believes that true success comes when everyone contributes together, fostering a culture of unity and support.
“Our team always celebrates each other’s accomplishments,” Herron said. “Being a good teammate means always giving 100% effort, staying focused, and doing the little things that help my team succeed.”
That sense of support, Herron said, is something she learned early on from her biggest role model. From introducing her to the game to dutifully cheering her on from the stands at every match, her mother has been the constant force behind her basketball journey.
“My mom has been my biggest influence,” Herron said. “She’s supported me through everything. She never misses a game or scrimmage, no matter what sacrifices she has to make to be there. She’s always there to lift me up during my worst moments and cheer me on during my best.”
As she continues into the year, her goal is to elevate her game, becoming a more assertive offensive player and aiming to consistently score in the double digits. After spending the last two seasons as more of a supporting role, she’s ready to step up as a key contributor.
After high school, Herron plans to continue playing basketball in college while pursuing a degree in orthodontics. With her mother’s steadfast support and the bond she’s built with her teammates, Herron has not only become a stronger player but also a young woman shaped by dedication and heart.
