XENIA, Ohio -- Appalachian State University women's basketball graduate Jasmine Ogunjimi will have the opportunity of a lifetime to play the game she loves and extend humanitarian aid, as she was accepted into the "Athletes in Action" Program for a trip to the nation of Abidjan, Ivory Coast. 

Ogunjimi is one of 10 women's basketball athletes across the country that will take part in the tour from June 20-July 6. The team will prepare the Ivorian U-19 Women's National Team for the upcoming Franchophonie games. Before arriving at the Ivory Coast, the team will participate in a five-day training camp at the headquarters in Xenia, Ohio. 

"I'm excited to participate in this program because it gives me a slight sense of purpose and direction," said Ogunjimi. "Even up to a couple of weeks ago, I had no idea where life would take me after college. I'm looking into furthering my education and going to grad school, but I also wanted to continue to play overseas, especially since I was forced to sit out my senior season. That's not how I want my basketball career to end. I still love the game, and I want to play it on an international level. Seeing that there's a program that not only allows me to play basketball but to preach the word of God to others is a blessing. I'm still growing in my faith, and I think it'll be cool to see other athletes from all different faith and life stages get together for a similar purpose. The fact that it's in the Ivory Coast in West Africa is a bonus because it's so close to my family back home (in Nigeria.) I can't wait to meet new people, go sightseeing and enjoy the international experience. I'm looking forward to helping others, grow in my faith, and play basketball again!!

Also, Ogunjimi will spend time conducting youth basketball camps and coaching clinics while aiding the Abidjan area. She will spend time experiencing the African culture, wildlife and scenery as well.

The recent graduate will play with players from such schools as Iowa State, Northwestern, Rutgers, and fellow Sun Belt member,  UT Arlington's Rebekah VanDijk. 

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Jasmine," stated head coach Angel Elderkin. "She's a great representative for the program and the University as she plays overseas and provides aid to the Ivory Coast. It's great that she gets the chance to travel close to home so she can see her family and do what she loves. We know Jasmine will take full advantage of the moment, and we couldn't be more proud of her!"

Athletes in Action is a Christian faith-based organization which has been using athletics as a platform to assist individuals in answering questions of faith since 1966. AIA is present in more than 90 countries around the globe and is a part of Cru (formerly called Campus Crusade for Christ).

2017 Ivory Coast Women's Basketball Roster

Jasmine Ogunjimi | Appalachian State

Sarah Hart | St.Bonaventure 

Abby Wright | Eastern Kentucky

Breasia McElrath | Texas Southern 

Chelsea†Poppins | Iowa State

Sune Swart | Bucknell

Christen Johnson | Northwestern

Malaya Johnson | Elon

Victoria Harris | Rutgers

Rebekah VanDijk | UT Arlington