University of Massachusets Athletics
2018-19 Women's Basketball Roster
Nelson, Jessica
Jersey Number 21
Jessica Nelson
- Class:
- Freshman
- Height:
- 6-2
- High School:
- Buford
- Hometown:
- Buford, Ga.
Bio
Academic Major: Public Health/Psychology
2019-20 – Sophomore: Co-captain alongside Hailey Leidel and Vashnie Perry ... Did not see game action.
2018-19 – Freshman: Saw action in 30 games, starting one ... Played 19.6 minutes per game, averaging 4.2 points and 3.5 rebounds each night ... Made her collegiate debut as a reserve in a win over Central Connecticut (11/17) with two points, three rebounds and a block ... Shot 3-of-4 and added a free throw at Brown (11/24), putting down seven points along with four boards, three blocks and a steal ... Contributed 10 points at La Salle (1/13), going 5-of-6 from the field plus three boards, two steals and a block ... In a road win at Davidson (1/20), added six points and as many rebounds ... Tied a season-high with 10 points vs. Richmond (2/27), going 5-of-10 from the field and tallying seven rebounds ... In a thrilling double overtime win in the Atlantic 10 First Round at George Mason (3/5), had six points, a season-high eight rebounds, one assist and one block.
Before UMass: Coached by Gene Durdon at Buford High School ... Won region and state titles as a freshman and junior while also leading the Wolves in rebounding ... Buford went 84-11 over her first three seasons en route to an additional Georgia Final Four ticket in 2016 ... Joined classmate Asia McCoy in GYEBL ball with Team Elite Hubbard, where the duo won back-to-back Nike national titles and consecutive AAU national crowns.
Personal: Daughter of Herb and Nanette Nelson ... Has one sibling, Kristina ... Was born in Atlanta, Georgia ... Enjoys shopping, helping others and spending time with family.
Coach Verdi on Nelson: "Jessica is a big-time, athletic post player with an unbelievable high ceiling. She is long, which gives her the opportunity to rebound out of her area. Her size and length will be utilized on the defensive end and in post-up situations. She also has the ability to run the floor in transition and beat her defender down the floor."
Nelson on UMass: "I chose UMass because I feel like it really reminded me of home when I came to visit. Coach Verdi and the staff were amazing throughout the entire process and I truly believe they are forming something great. I'm excited to have the opportunity to be a part of it."
2019-20 – Sophomore: Co-captain alongside Hailey Leidel and Vashnie Perry ... Did not see game action.
2018-19 – Freshman: Saw action in 30 games, starting one ... Played 19.6 minutes per game, averaging 4.2 points and 3.5 rebounds each night ... Made her collegiate debut as a reserve in a win over Central Connecticut (11/17) with two points, three rebounds and a block ... Shot 3-of-4 and added a free throw at Brown (11/24), putting down seven points along with four boards, three blocks and a steal ... Contributed 10 points at La Salle (1/13), going 5-of-6 from the field plus three boards, two steals and a block ... In a road win at Davidson (1/20), added six points and as many rebounds ... Tied a season-high with 10 points vs. Richmond (2/27), going 5-of-10 from the field and tallying seven rebounds ... In a thrilling double overtime win in the Atlantic 10 First Round at George Mason (3/5), had six points, a season-high eight rebounds, one assist and one block.
Before UMass: Coached by Gene Durdon at Buford High School ... Won region and state titles as a freshman and junior while also leading the Wolves in rebounding ... Buford went 84-11 over her first three seasons en route to an additional Georgia Final Four ticket in 2016 ... Joined classmate Asia McCoy in GYEBL ball with Team Elite Hubbard, where the duo won back-to-back Nike national titles and consecutive AAU national crowns.
Personal: Daughter of Herb and Nanette Nelson ... Has one sibling, Kristina ... Was born in Atlanta, Georgia ... Enjoys shopping, helping others and spending time with family.
Coach Verdi on Nelson: "Jessica is a big-time, athletic post player with an unbelievable high ceiling. She is long, which gives her the opportunity to rebound out of her area. Her size and length will be utilized on the defensive end and in post-up situations. She also has the ability to run the floor in transition and beat her defender down the floor."
Nelson on UMass: "I chose UMass because I feel like it really reminded me of home when I came to visit. Coach Verdi and the staff were amazing throughout the entire process and I truly believe they are forming something great. I'm excited to have the opportunity to be a part of it."
UMass WBB | Highlights vs Stonehill | 03.20.25
Thursday, March 20
UMass WBB | Postgame Press Conference vs Stonehill | 03.20.25
Thursday, March 20
UMass WBB | Press Conference vs. URI | 2.23.25
Sunday, February 23
UMass Women's Basketball | Press Conference vs. Loyola Chicago | 2.19.25
Wednesday, February 19
