In March, Gainesville High combo guard Jamison Cardwell (5’10) announced her commitment to the University of North Florida in Jacksonville at The Prep Zone All-Star Showcase.
On Monday, the first team All Area selection made it official and signed with the Division-I Ospreys.
“It feels like home,” said Cardwell, who played competitive softball growing up but didn’t start playing basketball with intention until 9th-grade. “The coaching staff, the beach is right there. Who is saying no to the beach? They kind of play how I want to play, shoot the 3-ball really well. Coach Erika (Lambert) is going to let me be me and play my style so that’s what I like. Go Ospreys.”
Cardwell, who transferred from Buchholz for her senior season, led the Hurricanes in both scoring (16.2 ppg) and rebounding (5.7 rpg).
“Jamison has undeniable willpower and she’s resilient,” said Gainesville coach Jazlynd Rollins. “She has always put in the effort to become a better athlete physically and mentally. I believe she will do great things. It’s sad to see her leave the program after only having her for one season.”
She helped lead the No. 3 seed Lady Hurricanes (17-9) to their first final four since 1987, before losing to top seed New Smyrna Beach in the Class 5A state championship game at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
“The run was great, but I’m still hurt by the state championship game,” Cardwell said. “Sometimes when I’m doing my workouts by myself us losing that game gives me a little bit more of a push.”
Cardwell just missed a double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds and hit two big back-to-back 3-pointers early in the fourth quarter as GHS held off Northeast (Oakland Park), 54-52, in the Class 5A state semifinals to advance to their first state championship game appearance in program history.
“In order to move UNF Basketball to the top of our conference, we need players who are fearless,” said UNF Women’s Basketball Head Coach Erika Lambert. “Jamison has the toughness, the work ethic and the championship mentality that will help move this program into a new era.”
Cardwell also averaged 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while also shooting 45% from the floor and 40% from behind the arc.
“She has the versatility to be a shooting threat and solid decision-maker on the perimeter and also play tough in the paint,” Lambert said. “Jamison’s confidence and love for the game shines through every time she takes the court. We are adding a winner and a great teammate to the Osprey family.”
During the offseason, Cardwell wants to work on her strength, getting faster and more conditioning.
“The game is faster,” she said. “Game-wise I need to work on transition shots. I feel like if I get downhill full speed, just being able to pull up in the middle, float game, stuff like that. People are going to be way taller.”