Nationwide — Jazmin Boyd, a former basketball star from Hattiesburg High School and an HBCU alumna from Grambling State University, died on July 19th from injuries sustained in a car accident in Ruston, Louisiana.Boyd spent much of her time at the Hattiesburg High School Gymnasium, near D.I. Patrick Stadium, where a balloon release took place to remember Boyd.
“To lose a life, especially a former player, it’s hard,” said Caronica Jackson, HHS girls basketball coach, according to WLBT. “But we just have to go on, celebrate their lives, and remember the good things.”
Boyd, who was also known as “Paso,” made a name for herself at Grambling State University after her standout high school career. She was a member of the GSU women’s basketball team from 2015-2019.
Boyd’s competitive spirit was evident throughout her career at Grambling, where she led her team in the 2018 Southwestern Athletic Conference women’s basketball championship. Her performance helped the Lady Tigers reach the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament for the first time in 20 years.
While the gathering mourned Boyd’s loss, it also celebrated her life and legacy.
Boyd’s father, Lenard Wright, spoke about her dedication. “When she had a chance to be on the team and do things she didn’t know she could do, she just automatically fell in love with it,” he said.