The Denver Post: Jaylyn Sherrod excelled at hoops while at CU. She was also an academic star.
The CU Buffs basketball star finished her second master’s degree with a capstone on AI in criminal justice
Jan 8, 2026
The Denver Post recently highlighted the incredible academic and athletic journey of Jaylyn Sherrod, a former University of Colorado basketball star and current WNBA player.
Sherrod completed her master’s degree in criminal justice at CU Denver School of Public Affairs while competing professionally, including playing for the Minnesota Lynx and traveling internationally. Her commitment to education reflects the values instilled by her mother, who emphasized academics as a priority throughout Sherrod’s life.
Working with her advisor, Sheila Huss, assistant teaching professor of Criminal Justice at SPA, Sherrod focused her capstone project on the role of artificial intelligence in the criminal justice system. She interviewed professionals across the field to understand awareness, ethical concerns, and future impacts of AI, then made recommendations for SPA to better prepare students for technology-driven changes. Her work included ideas such as integrating AI-focused coursework and case studies into the curriculum.