Behind every great athlete is a source of unwavering support, and for Wheatley High School junior guard, Jamie Solomon, that person is her grandmother, Bridget Goudeau. More than a guardian, Goudeau has been a guiding light, coach and number-one fan in Jamie’s life, shaping her into the accomplished student-athlete she is today.
“My grandmother is like a mother and a grandmother to me,” said Solomon. “She’s always guided me in the best interest of what she feels is right for me.”
When Solomon was a young child, Goudeau became her legal guardian, stepping in during a difficult time. From that moment, Goudeau dedicated herself to giving Solomon and her siblings a foundation built on love, support and encouragement to dream big.
From the sidelines at track meets to the stands at basketball games, Goudeau hasn’t missed a moment of Solomon’s athletic journey.
“I haven’t missed any track meets, basketball games, or practices; it would kill me to miss any of them,” said Goudeau.
Her dedication stems from her own experiences growing up without such support.
“It’s important for me to always be present because I didn’t have that when I was younger,” said Goudeau.
Her presence has meant everything to Solomon, who draws strength from knowing her grandmother is always there, cheering her on.
Solomon’s athletic career began with track & field, where she ran the 200-meter dash, 4×100-meter relay, 4×400-meter relay, 400-meter dash and competed long jump, which garnered a spot at the Junior Olympics. But as scheduling conflicts arose, Solomon transitioned to basketball full-time.
It was a decision made with her grandmother’s guidance and support.
When Solomon’s skills caught the attention of Bianca Taylor, the wife of the Houston Hoops organization’s head coach, Goudeau didn’t hesitate to help her grandaughter seize the opportunity. A video of Solomon playing in the neighborhood was all it took to secure her spot on the team and launch her basketball career.
“Jamie’s drive and cuts to the basket were beyond her years,” said Taylor. “This 7th-grade girl played with grit and fearlessness. I had to have her join our Hoops family. At the time we had 16u and 17u only, so I created a 12u middle school team so she could play.”
Solomon continued to work on her game throughout the years. After her name and game generated buzz, she started training with Tommy Mason Griffin, a former standout at Madison High School and University of Oklahoma. The objective was to work on her off-ball movement and develop Solomon into becoming a prolific guard who could shoot the ball consistently.
As a junior, Solomon has blossomed into just that, averaging 22.5 points per game and shooting 82% from the free-throw line and 44% from the three-point line. Her success is a testament not only to her talent and hard work but also to the foundation of encouragement her grandmother has provided.
Goudeau’s influence extends beyond the court. She instills life lessons that guide Solomon in everything she does.
“Always have more than one option and focus on what can be done to better yourself,” Goudeau tells her.
These words resonate deeply with Solomon, who balances her athletic pursuits with a 3.6 GPA and a commitment to academic excellence.
For Solomon, success isn’t just about points scored or games won; it’s about the enduring bond with the woman who has been her biggest fan, her loudest cheerleader and her greatest role model.
As Solomon looks to her future, including a recent unofficial visit to the University of Texas at El Paso, she knows her grandmother’s unwavering support will remain her anchor. Whether it’s reminding her to keep her grades up or simply being there at every game, Goudeau continues to be Solomon’s most steadfast advocate.
“My grandmother inspires me every day,” said Solomon. “She’s taught me resilience and shown me what it means to have someone truly in your corner.”
About Jamie Solomon:
Class: 2026
IG: @adore.jam1eee
Twitter: @solomon_jamie3
Position: Guard
Height & weight: 5-feet-7, 126 pounds
Favorite artist: Bryson Tiller
Status: Uncommitted
