Any statistic or number related to girls’ basketball has to be pretty impressive to catch Carolyn Jackson’s eye. In her 38th season as Brainerd High School’s coach, Jackson has more than 800 wins, and her program is the last from Hamilton County to have claimed a girls’ state championship.
That was in 1984.
But as other teams head into the postseason next week, it wasn’t her Lady Panthers’ 22-4 record or even their 12-0 regular-season run through District 6-AA that brought the broadest smile to Jackson’s face. While she admittedly is proud of those team accomplishments, she took a little extra time to brag on another aspect of the program she has led since the Gerald Ford administration.
For the second straight year, Brainerd High School’s valedictorian will be one of Jackson’s players, as senior post Tiara Boston heads the graduating class. The streak likely will reach three consecutive years with Jasmine Woods, who as a junior has a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Woods’ sister Joshualyn was the 2011 valedictorian.
“I’m extremely proud of all three of them,” Jackson said. “Most people say athletes aren’t smart, but I think it takes a lot more to be an athlete and excel in the classroom. You have to be very organized and know how to prioritize your time to be good at both.