Adelaide has signed 22-year-old Jasmine Simmons as a rookie on its AFLW list.

Originally from Broken Hill, Simmons recently returned from three years in the United States where she played as a guard on the Oregon State University basketball team.

As a young child, Simmons played football with the boys at the North Broken Hill Football Club – the same junior club as Taylor Walker – but was forced to retire in her early teens.

“I started playing when I was seven, but I had to retire when I was 15 because there was no women’s competition,” Simmons said.

After being unable to play football, Simmons turned her attention to basketball, captaining the Australian Sapphires at a junior level and won gold with the Australian Women’s basketball team at the World University Games in 2019.

Simmons has played a handful of football games for North Broken Hill and Gol Gol in regional New South Wales since returning to Australia.

The 180cm utility is looking forward to getting to Adelaide to start training with the team.

“I don’t think I can really put into words what it means to be a part of something that is giving opportunities to girls and women who grew up with a passion,” Simmons said.

“I am overjoyed. I think that would be the best way to put it.”

Crows Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said it is exciting to welcome a talent such as Simmons to the Club.

“Our club has an excellent record of recruiting players who have been good footballers at a junior level but have then been forced to try another sport before coming back to AFLW,” Harper said.

“Jasmine is a terrific athlete with a strong football background, but what impressed us the most was her character.

“Jasmine shares the values of our Club. She loves footy, is driven to be the best player and person she can be and wants to be part of team success.”

The AFLW pre-season will start on September 1^st.