FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Former Nova Southeastern University women's basketball star and current NACWAA intern Jasmine Wilkins is the April Geico Alumni Athlete of the Month.
 
Following a sterling five years with the women's basketball program, Wilkins was chosen for and accepted a year-long and full-time paid internship with NACWAA (National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators) in Membership Services, and is currently in Kansas City, Missouri.
 
A double alumnus of NSU, with a bachelor's degree in business administration (while minoring in sport and recreation management), and her Master's in athletic administration, Wilkins was also a success on the court as the 2015 SSC Player and Defensive Player of the Year. She reflected on her first step post-college.
 
"Honestly, my transition from college to 'the real world' has been smooth and great so far!" she said. "I have adjusted very well living in a different city and different weather (snow). I must say, the skills, determination, focus, dedication, and grit I have learned from being in sports all my life, has definitely helped my transition. Although I do miss my family, friends, and loved ones, having learned all that I have from being in sports has helped me remain focused on my goal and purpose of being in Kansas City with NACWAA.
 
"In addition, with my transition process, I am extremely blessed with such an amazing support group who is always there to encourage me and push me. I work with a great of women every day in making a difference. Lastly, I am truly thankful and grateful, for the opportunity to grow, learn, mature, and become a better leader.
 
Not yet midway through her internship, Wilkins has drawn on a lot of great experience thus far.
 
"I can truly say that this internship is AWESOME!" she said. "I have learned so much about the athletic industry and what I need in order to be a successful female gamechanger and leader in this industry. I have to give a HUGE shout out to (Associate Director of Athletics) Kelley Kish for being in my corner and rooting for me all the way! She is the very reason why I got this internship. I am also truly fortunate to work for an authentic leader as Patti Phillips who I can learn so much from! In addition, I have met so many individuals ranging from various backgrounds which helps with my networking skills. It is about who you know, but also who knows you!
 
"I have attended great events such as the 2015 Tampa National Convention, our Ignite Your Leadership Series with awesome panelists, the Big 12 MBB Championship Game, and the MIAA and NIAA basketball tournaments. I also will be attending the 2016 Kansas City National Convention, the Women's Leadership Symposium, and the Institute of Administrative Advancement in Virginia."
 
Just as the team did during her last three seasons, women's basketball earned a trip to the 2016 NCAA South Region Tournament, not to mention their fourth straight 20-win season. Wilkins kept up with this most recent squad, which included eight of her former teammates still playing, another as a coach (Danielle Robinson, part of the same graduating class, last year's graduate assistant), and the staff of assistant Abbie Tepe and head coach LeAnn Freeland.
 
"I did not catch as many games live but I did follow the feed on Twitter and on the website to keep in touch with the season," said Wilkins. "I definitely still talk to some of the girls and will always stay connected with the team. I must say I am truly proud of the team, the coaches, and the growth of the program! Coach Freeland has done a GREAT job with the program and we will be National Champions soon!"
 
Finally, Wilkins reflected on how the university prepared her for this, the first of many challenges following her collegiate academic and athletic career.
 
"NSU has taught me that connecting with people and making meaningful relationships are important," she said. "Particularly with athletics, we have had plenty of opportunities to travel and meet so many people, and that has opened up my horizon to a broad range of people. I am so thankful to NSU for my time there! I have had great professors and met great faculty and staff in which I have to thank them all for truly believing in me! NSU will always be home!"