Indiana State Reps attend official State Qualifier tournaments to award Golden Ticket invites to the top two finishing teams at each grade and to answer any questions from coaches and families.  Please say "hello" when you see them!

Jai Cole
Jai started playing basketball at age 8, walking into a gym on a random day when a local team called the Bulldogs were holding tryouts. After making the team, she kept playing through high school and played some college basketball at Joliet Junior College and South Suburban College. After school, Jai joined the National Guard and eventually moved to Indiana. After having a child, she restarted her basketball journey as a referee for the IHSSA in 2018. Jai currently refs at Legacy Courts and surrounding Indiana schools, ranging in age from elementary to high school. In her free time, she enjoys dog training and spending time with her family.

Jasmine Goda
Jasmine grew up in Lafayette, Indiana. She was raised in a house which loved basketball. Her stepfather, a longtime NBA columnist, was an editor at Yahoo Sports. Growing up, she attended Pacer games with her stepfather and grew to be fascinated by basketball. Her favorite basketball moment was Joel Embiid's game-winning shot in 2022, which truly established her love for the sport.

Jasmine began working at the age of 14, hosting at restaurants. In high school she earned three business certifications. She graduated at the age of 17 while working as scheduling manager at McDonald’s. She is now a daycare teacher and mother of two. She does freelance marketing and goes to school full time at Southern New Hampshire University for Marketing Sciences.

In her free time, Jasmine loves spending quality time with her family going on hikes, crafting, cooking out, and reading. Jasmine also enjoys video games, painting, and watching anime.

Joshua King
Joshua is from northwest Indiana and attends Purdue University. He is a senior majoring in Public Relations and Strategic Communications with a minor in African American Studies. Joshua began playing basketball when he was young and continued through high school, he stills plays in recreational leagues and is a big fan of the game. Outside of his role as a state rep, he is a full-time student and his hobbies include: basketball, skateboarding, sneakers, video games and watching TV shows. 

Don Kumar
Don Kumar was born in California and raised across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, where his love for basketball first took root. Now a senior at Indiana University, Don has spent over a decade playing, studying, and coaching the game he’s passionate about. Known for his competitive spirit and creative playing style, he drew inspiration from his favorite player, Kyrie Irving, whose ball-handling and artistry continue to shape Don’s approach to the sport.

Beyond the court, Don is deeply committed to personal fitness and staying active, whether he’s lifting at the gym, running pickup games with friends, or relaxing by the hot tub after a long week. He’s also interested in sports management and youth development, often volunteering at local basketball camps and mentoring younger players. Don believes basketball is more than a sport; it’s a community that teaches discipline, perseverance, and connection.

When he’s not around a hoop, you might find him exploring new coffee spots, watching old NBA highlights, or talking hoops debates that somehow last for hours. Don brings enthusiasm, leadership, and an easygoing attitude to everything he does, and he’s excited to represent the State Basketball Championship team this season while helping players and families create lasting memories.

Eric Utterback
Eric Utterback brings a lifelong passion for athletics and player development to his role as Basketball Communications Representative for Indiana. A former varsity basketball player at Valparaiso High School and a scholarship football athlete at the University of Indianapolis, where he still ranks 5th all-time in career yards per catch, Eric has deep roots in competitive sports.

Throughout his career, Eric has worked extensively with athletes at all levels, serving as a youth recreation and club coach, a skill development trainer for players from youth through college, and a former board member of the Center Grove Girls Basketball League. His dedication to mentoring young athletes is also reflected in his family, with two of his daughters earning collegiate basketball scholarships at the University of Findlay and the University of Vermont.

Eric is committed to fostering health, fitness, and skill development in athletes, helping them achieve their goals both on and off the court. His combination of personal athletic experience, coaching expertise, and a passion for youth development makes him a valued leader in Indiana basketball.