By Olivia Jones
For Ponca City senior Jasmine Sodowsky, basketball is more than a sport; it’s a commitment to her teammates, her school, and the competitive spirit that’s shaped her since childhood. A dynamic combo guard, Sodowsky brings versatility, intelligence, and relentless energy to the court. Her motivation is simple but powerful: “Helping my team succeed.”
Sodowsky’s journey has been influenced by unexpected inspiration. One of her biggest role models is motocross superstar Ken Roczen, whose resilience through repeated injuries left a lasting impression. “He’s always fought his way back to be successful,” she says, a trait she tries to mirror in her own approach to the game.
A major turning point in her basketball story came early, thanks to Amanda Cain, her third-grade teacher. Recognizing Jasmine’s talent and potential, Cain asked her to compete on the fifth and sixth-grade team, which was an early confidence boost that still sticks with her. “She saw promise in me,” Sodowsky said, grateful for the push that helped set her path.
Success hasn’t been accidental. Jasmine has put in countless hours of practice and sharpened her skills by playing AAU ball with the Oklahoma Swarm every summer. That work paid off in one of the highlights of her career: winning the bracket game at the Nike Nationals in Chicago, earning her team a spot in the championship finals, an unforgettable moment on a national stage.
At Ponca City, rivalries help fuel her competitive edge, especially matchups with Stillwater. In practice, she loves going up against Natalia Good, a teammate who challenges her and keeps the game fun. She also believes Aubrey Littlewalker is the team’s most underrated player, “she has really good handles and tons of potential.”
Balancing high school basketball with concurrent college classes at NOC is tough, but Jasmine stays ahead by working early and staying organized. Representing Ponca City means everything to her. “We have a good fan base, and it hypes me up when I hear everyone cheering,” she says.
Before each game, she takes a quiet moment to pray, her steadying ritual. She admires Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, dreams of playing for the University of Miami, and says if she weren’t hooping, she’d still be riding motocross.
For Sodowsky, basketball is passion, community, and purpose, and this season, she’s ready to lead Ponca City with all three.
