Credit to Angelee Orozco

Kennedy Jones, a Senior at Francis Howell North, has already committed to play Division 1 volleyball at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Jones has been dedicated to this goal and this is a huge accomplishment for her and those close to her. 

“I would say my parents really helped me in the recruiting process,” Jones said.

Jones’ dad served as her manager, helping her draft and respond to different college coaches emails. Jones’ mom has been by her side along the way making sure she not only based her decision on volleyball, but also on what else she wanted in a university so she’d get the best experience in return for what she’s worked for.

“All of the hard work I had put in since I first ever started playing volleyball paid off and now I’m able to compete at the highest level possible,” Jones said.

Jones had to make choices for where she wanted to spend her college career but one thing stood out to her about UAB.

“What sold me on UAB was Coach Betsy’s [Freeburg], the head coach’s, plan. She was really confident in her own goals for the program and me. She believed that I could really make an impact in the program and could help the team achieve a conference championship and more,” Jones said.

Jones had a lot of coaches during her years of playing, but one that stands out in her career was her club coach for Rockwood Volleyball Club.

“My most influential coach was probably my club coach when I was on 16 Navy last year. I was new to Rockwood and had to skip 15’s season to play with my age group,” Jones said. “He most definitely took a chance on me by putting me on the team, but he helped me refine the skills I missed by helping me adjust to the speed of the game,” 

He also held Jones accountable for her mistakes in order for her to improve.

“I felt very proud of myself because I had accomplished a dream I’ve had since I was 14, which is when I decided I wanted to play in college,” Jones said.