Know Your Bulldog: Jazzmun Holmes

By: Emily Pschigoda, Student Assistant/Communications

Displaying "Mississippi State" across her chest means much more than just putting on a uniform. Wearing the Maroon and White runs deeper than tattered shoe laces or sweat-stained jerseys. For senior women's basketball student-athlete Jazzmun Holmes, representing the Bulldogs is about tradition, pride and family.

From 1997-99, Shayla Holmes, Jazzmun's mother, suited up for State's soccer squad. Written in a 1998 media guide, Shayla was a hard-nosed defender and "versatile player who will push for playing time". All qualities that Jazzmun has translated to her time on the court. Following in her mother's footsteps, Jazzmun jumps at the chance to show her might for the Dawgs.

Tim Nelson, Jazzmun's father, helped carry MSU to its only SEC West title in school history during the memorable 1998 season, as the Bulldogs went on to make an appearance in the Cotton Bowl. Twenty years later, Jazzmun assisted the women's basketball program to its first SEC title in program history during the 2017-18 season, which was also the first women's SEC title in school history.

Shayla and Nelson played with tenacity and grit while creating havoc on separate Bulldog defenses, and each represented Mississippi State in a way that inspired Jazzmun to do the same. Although on different playing surfaces, grinding for the Maroon and White is rooted in Jazzmun's DNA.

Jazzmun was raised in Gulfport, Mississippi, where basketball started shaping her at five years old. She stood smaller than most of her opponents, but facing those giants taught her how to approach life on and off the court.

"I've always played with people older than me, so I had no choice but to play aggressively because I'm so small," Jazzmun said. "Everybody tried to take advantage of me on the court [because of my size]."

Over the years, Jazz, as she is called by her teammates, has allowed the challenge of the game to change the way she sees life and family.

"Basketball has helped me become a leader and has helped me figure out who I am as a person, and it's become something that's helped me get away," Jazz said with a soft smile and nostalgic eyes.

Basketball has taught her to stand up to the on-court challenges, but especially trials off the court.

Jazzmun has proudly carried on her family tradition while being an integral member of the women's basketball program. MSU, her family and the game of basketball have affected her life in the best ways. As she enters her final season on the court, Jazzmun humbly holds the Maroon and White tradition in her heart.

"It's special for the coaches to have another Mississippi kid here," said Jazzmun. "I know it meant a lot to my family for me to come to State and continue that tradition."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Know Your Bulldog: Jazzmun Holmes

Players Mentioned

Jazzmun Holmes

Related Videos