Born: 1960
Jasmina Perazic, born on December 6, 1960, is a Serbian-American basketball coach and former player, known for her impressive contributions to the sport. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014, a testament to her remarkable career.
Perazic’s basketball journey began on the international stage, representing Yugoslavia in the 1980 and 1984 Summer Olympics, showcasing her skills and determination on a global platform. Her dedication and talent earned her recognition and respect from both fans and fellow athletes.
In 2014, Perazic’s influential career was recognized when she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. This prestigious honor highlights her significant impact on the sport and solidifies her place among the basketball greats.
Currently, Perazic serves as the head coach of Division II Georgian Court University, a member of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC). Her coaching expertise and leadership have propelled the team to success, demonstrating her ability to inspire and guide her players to reach their full potential.
Under Perazic’s guidance, the Lions of Georgian Court University achieved outstanding results during the COVID-19 shortened 2020-2021 season. They secured an impressive perfect regular season record of 7-0 and clinched the CACC regular season title. As a result, Perazic was hailed as the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year, acknowledging her exceptional coaching abilities.
Furthermore, Perazic led the Lions to their first appearance in the CACC Finals since becoming a Division II member in 2002-2003, solidifying her impact on the team’s success. The Lions also secured an at-large bid to the NCAA Division II National Tournament, marking a significant milestone for the program. In the Regional Quarterfinals, they showcased their prowess by winning their first-ever game at the East Regional against divisional rival Concordia College on March 12, 2021.
Beyond her achievements on the court, Perazic has also embraced motherhood. She is the proud mother of a daughter named Deanna Gipe, who is married to Erica and resides in New Jersey. This exemplifies Perazic’s ability to balance her personal and professional life, serving as an inspiration to aspiring female athletes and coaches.
In addition to her exceptional coaching career, Perazic boasts an impressive list of accolades from her playing days. She was a key player on the Yugoslav National Basketball Team, which achieved notable successes on the international stage. These include a bronze medal in the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, Russia and a gold medal in the 1986 Balkan Championships in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Perazic’s individual achievements are equally remarkable. She was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 1984 Pre-Olympic Tournament in Havana, Cuba, and was the second-leading scorer at the 1983 World Championships in São Paulo, Brazil. Additionally, in 1987, she received the MVP title at the World University Games in Zagreb, Croatia.
Throughout her career, Perazic collected an array of awards and distinctions, including being named a WBCA Kodak All-American and the ACC Tournament MVP in 1983. She was also honored as the WBCA National Coach of the Year in 2009 and was named the WCAC Coach of the Year in 2010. Her achievements were recognized once again in 2020-2021 when she was named the CACC Coach of the Year.
Jasmina Perazic’s impact on women’s basketball and her accomplishments on and off the court have solidified her status as a pioneer in the sport. Her induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame speaks to her significant contributions, and her coaching prowess continues to inspire future generations of athletes. She has left an indelible mark on the sport and has played an instrumental role in shaping women’s basketball history.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014
– Recognized as the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year for the 2020-2021 season