Last season was a struggle for the Flint, Mich. native, as she only averaged five points and 1.8 assists per game compared to this season’s mark of 11.8 points per game and 5.8 assists.

“I’m developing into a vocal leader,” Thomas said. “A lot of times, I used to rely on defense to contribute to the team, but right now, it’s a lot more about what I’m doing and what I’m saying as well. Anything I can do to contribute, and I feel like my consistency has been a factor.”

She said the encouragement from the players and staff has helped her achieve a high level of play and confidence this season.

“Just constant support, whether it’s from teammates (or) coaches,” Thomas said. “Having a commanding presence is something (head) coach (Suzy) Merchant wanted me to do, and I feel like that I’m making that my focus.”

Merchant said it’s exciting to see the way Thomas is carrying herself this season, and the opportunities she is creating for other players.

“She has to be that coach on the floor and her presence has been monumental,” Merchant said. “We watch her play, and we watch her on film. She does have the speed and athleticism, and sometimes in the past, she’s let that speed take her to an out-of-control place. So far this year, she’s doing a really good job of using her speed at a pace that she takes the ball with her and she makes good decisions.”

In the past, Merchant said she has seen people be named captain, but then not be able to retain the respect of their team, but that’s not the case with Thomas.

“I’ve always said it’s hard to be a captain,” she said. “She relates really well to other people, but what she’s doing right now is she’s doing it with her actions on top of doing it from a verbal side. You’ve got to have that; your best leaders have to be kids that perform night in and night out, I think that’s kind of positive as a captain and a leader.”

Senior forward Courtney Schiffauer said she sees a newfound confidence in Thomas, where she isn’t afraid to tell someone if they need to change positions on the floor, or remind them what defensive position the team is in.

“Being with her for four years, I’m really proud of her for stepping up and taking that role as a point guard and having the whole team trust in her,” Schiffauer said. “She knows what she’s doing. She’s in command. If I’m dying on offense, she’s always there to bring me up.”

Schiffauer said the consistent play of Thomas has opened up a plethora of different approaches the team possesses.

“We have a lot of different dynamics,” she said. “(Junior forward) Annalise (Pickrel) is more about finesse. I’m a little bit more of a go out and hit somebody type of deal. We have her quickness. She’s very good on the court speaking and communicating to everybody else, she’s gotten a lot better at that from the beginning of the season.”

For this team to succeed going forward, Merchant said Thomas must keep up her confident play and show the team what she is really made of.

“It’s always about confidence in our game,” Merchant said. “You can see that there are certain players on our team who have it and are playing, and there are certain players that are struggling a little bit with it. Confidence is everything. It’s as simple as walking the walk in some ways. For me, it’s been fun to watch Jasmine.”