MONTGOMERY, Ala.—The River Region United Way announced today that Jasmine Walker, a Montgomery native and forward for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, has agreed to become an RRUW ambassador. To promote the United Way’s mission and work throughout the community, Jasmine will provide various outreach services utilizing her famous name, image, and likeness.
“Jasmine is a role model and wonderful example of what’s possible if you believe in yourself, work hard, and follow your dreams,” said Jannah Bailey, the president and CEO of the River Region United Way. “Even though she competes in California, the River Region will always be her home. We are inspired by her desire to see the River Region become more inclusive and a better place. With her leadership, I know we will get there.”
The Sparks drafted Jasmine in the first round of the 2021 WNBA Draft after a storied career at the University of Alabama. In her final season, she led the Crimson Tide to its first NCAA tournament appearance in more than two decades and set the program’s single-game scoring record at 41 points. Jasmine, a finalist for the 2021 Katrina McClain Award, presented annually to the best power forward in women’s NCAA basketball, was also a WBCA Honorable Mention All-American that year and a member of the SEC All-First Team.
At Jeff Davis High School, Jasmine led the women’s basketball squad to back-to-back 7A State Championships in 2015 and 2016, and she was named tournament MVP in both seasons. Jasmine was the 2016 Alabama Miss Basketball and the 2016 Gatorade Player of the Year for Alabama.
“Words can’t explain my excitement for this opportunity to be able to step into a viable leadership and visionary role by working with one of the biggest Non-Profits in the world, United Way,” said Jasmine Walker. “More importantly the chance of working within my own community in Montgomery Alabama and sharing with everyone my passion of where I was raised and being able to give back the way that I have always envisioned is a blessing that most won’t have in their life but especially as a professional Athlete! I appreciate everyone who has supported me through my entire journey so I can be in a place to achieve my true passion outside of playing professional basketball and that is community work with my people! More importantly thank you River Region United Way and all their staff for opening the doors for me to be prosperous for my community!”