Over four years, Christina Bush got to see Kinzee Jamierson develop into a leader at Compass Academy.
Whether it was competing in various sports, handling class assignments or balancing two part-time jobs, Jamierson became a person to follow at her school.
Now she’s set to finish third in Compass Academy’s first graduating class.
“She has matured into a young woman who has set an example for all the others in our athletic program,” Bush said. “Not only that, she’s done that academically as well and she also holds a job, too.
“To be able to balance school, work and athletics just really sets the tone for all the future Lady Cougars here at Compass Academy.”
Competing in volleyball, basketball and track, Jamierson earned multiple accolades for her achievements as an athlete.
She was an All-District 5-3A selection in girls basketball along with being named Blocker of the Year in volleyball, a couple of her accomplishments in sports.
Even with the amount of effort she put into athletics, Jamierson knew she needed to emphasize academics.
“It’s just always been like that for me,” Jamierson said. “I’ve been doing sports since sixth grade. I’ve been an A-honor roll student, dual credit and working a part-time job as well.
“I’ve always been able to balance it pretty well, my parents are a big help.”
She also earned awards on the academic side, being a district finalist for social studies in 2021 and computer applications in 2022.
When she isn’t busy with sports or school, Jamierson stays busy on the weekends with jobs that include working at Wine & Canvas under Compass Academy elementary art teacher Yvonne Asakawa.
Jamierson doesn’t get overwhelmed with the extra work because Asakawa knows the responsibilites the senior has with a loaded schedule.
Asakawa said Jamierson is always energetic and never afraid to help when needed, stepping in to lend an extra hand when the art teacher needs assistance with her young students.
At Wine & Canvas, Asakawa has seen Jamierson grow into a strong salesperson at farmers markets, while giving extra painting tips to patrons.
The impact the versatile student-athlete will leave behind is noted by Asakawa.
“It makes me sad, I’m definitely going to miss her,” Asakawa said. “The middle school and elementary kids that have gotten to know her over the years, they see her every day, they’re definitely going to miss her.”
After graduation, Jamierson plans on extending her volleyball career at the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, N.M.
She added that one of her favorite memories at Compass Academy was when she signed to play at the next level.
“It was the most unreal experience, everybody was there to support me, everyone was crying and cheering,” Jamierson said. “I felt all the love from my teammates from these past four years, even the boys side, they recognized all my work and it was just an amazing feeling.”
Jamierson plans on studying exercise science with hopes of attaining a master’s degree in athletic training later on.
She would also like to return to Compass Academy and continue giving back to the community that aided in her growth.
“Hopefully I come back to Compass and help build our school some more, give us a trainer,” Jamierson said. “Training and making sure our athletes are prepared to leave for college.”
Bush believes it’s an encouraging sign that Jamierson wants to follow a path similar to the one she took when she was a college student.
The volleyball coach feels Jamierson has the right qualities to help others later down the line.
“I can see her being a great coach, a mentor, a leader,” Bush said. “Everything that you need to be successful in that field.”
>> Follow Chris Amaya on Twitter at @OA_CAmaya
KINZEE JAMIERSON
COMPASS ACADEMY OF ODESSA
>> Academic Rank: No. 3 (of 58)
>> Sports: Volleyball; Basketball; Track
>> Academic bio: Dual credit (2020-2022); District Academic Finalist (Social Studies, 2021; Computer Applications, 2022)
>> Athletic bio: Captain for basketball and track; Blocker of the Year (Volleyball, 2021); All-District Basketball (2022); District runner up (400 meters); District champion (4×400 relay).
>> Activities: Senior board representative (2022)
>> College and major: University of the Southwest (Exercise Science)
>> Goals for the future: Win Red River Athletic Conference volleyball championship; Complete Masters degree in Athletic Training
>> Favorite subject: Math
>> Favorite book: Inhuman (Kat Falls); Red Queen (Victoria Aveyard)
>> Favorite musician: Morgan Wallen
>> Role model: Christina Bush; Yvonne Asakawa
