Remembering Jasmine Johnson (11/4/85 - 5/24/21)

AUBURNDALE, Florida (June 1, 2021) - It is often said that a person's impact is not measured by the amount of time they have been around but on the number of lives that they have touched. Jasmine Johnson was the embodiment of just that. Jasmine spent decades on the soccer pitch and along the sidelines as both a player and as a youth coach making a positive impact on those around her. Unfortunately, on May 24, 2021, Jasmine lost her eleven-year battle with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.

Jasmine, originally from Baltimore, Maryland, moved to Florida with her family at the age of 4 and discovered her love for the game of soccer at age 12. Jasmine participated in the Florida ODP Program as well as with a few FYSA clubs, including with the Chargers Soccer Club, before committing to the University of Florida to play as a Gator for two seasons. Due to injuries while at UF she was sidelined and had to put a halt to her collegiate soccer career.  

In 2009 Jasmine’s continued involvement in soccer as a player on a semiprofessional team in Tampa ultimately led her to receiving a partial soccer scholarship and enrolling in school again at Saint Leo University. Just as their soccer season was getting underway Jasmine was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 23. Despite receiving what would be a tough diagnosis for anyone, Jasmine fought hard to manage her leukemia and finish her bachelor’s degree in psychology while finishing up her two years of playing eligibility. 

After school Jasmine went on to coach girls' teams at several Florida Youth Soccer Clubs, including with the Chargers Soccer Club, Florida Premier, Tampa Dynamo, and Tampa Bay United, to teach her players how to be respectful, goal-oriented and kind-hearted and provide young girls with someone they can relate and look up to. 

"Jasmine’s ability on the field was only overshadowed by her genuine smile, her love for her team and teammates and her willingness to work hard and lead by example!” expressed Former Florida ODP Coach Siggi Nagele. “She fought so courageously against her leukemia and inspired all of us to be better people, live and love more and make the most of each and every day on this earth!” 

Former teammate and friend of Jasmine, Stacy Bishop, has put together a Memorial Fund for Jasmine with the money going towards her memorial costs and any remaining funds to be used for scholarships for youth players in need. If you would like to contribute to Jasmine Johnson’s Memorial Fund, CLICK HERE 

A celebration of life for Jasmine Johnson is scheduled to be held on Sunday June 13, 2021, from noon to 4 PM at Ed Radice Sports Complex in Tampa, Florida.  

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For more information about how you can potentially help save a life with the Be The Match registry for potential blood stem cell donors, CLICK HERE.