MANSFIELD, Pa. – Former Mountaineer women's basketball star
Jasmine Hilton has accomplished her dream of signing a professional contract with ZKK Spartak from the First League of Serbia.
"I knew way before my last year playing at Mansfield that I wanted to play professionally with my passion still longing for basketball. I also wanted to spend most of my 20s still experiencing the world while doing what I love, so going overseas was a decision that I didn't hesitant to move forward with," said Hilton. "I'm super excited to have signed with the team in Serbia as I know it will feel like home with welcomed arms from the coach, my teammates, and even from the people in the country who are big fans. It's funny that I'm back to being a rookie, but I'm so excited to learn new things that can help elevate me to becoming a great player".
Hilton becomes the third player in program history to play professionally overseas, along with Mallory Moore who played with Lemving in the Danish Basketball League and former head coach Alison Tagliaferri who played for Esgueira in the Portuguese Basketball Federation. This is current head coach
Amy Senefelder's first player to sign a professional contract.
"This is an awesome day for Jas and her family. I know how hard she's worked, and how much heart she's put into basketball" said coach Senefelder. "Playing professionally has been a goal of hers and she definitely deserves this opportunity. Her Mansfield family is so proud, and we know she'll represent us well in Serbia".
Finishing second in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) in rebounds per game (8.6), she dominated the paint on the offensive side, scoring 15.6 points per game, which stood eighth in the conference. Securing eight double-doubles on the season, Hilton finished with seven 20-point games, which stands as the most in a season for her. As the captain of the program, she helped lead the Mounties to their first playoff appearance since the 2017-18 season.
The forward capped off her career by inking her name among the best in the record books for the women's program. After wrapping up her time as a Mountie, Hilton finished third all-time in career points (1,470) and fourth all-time in career rebounds (862) after breaking into the top ten in both categories this season.
Three All-PSAC accolades highlight the Upper Marlboro, Md. native's career, making the First Team twice and being named the 2022-23 Mansfield Winter Athlete of the Year.
Hilton is set to start with the team in September.
