Iowa’s Ava Jones Medically Retires from College Basketball

A Story of Courage and Resilience

Iowa’s Ava Jones, a sophomore, has announced her decision to medically retire from college basketball due to ongoing struggles with injuries sustained in a tragic car accident in 2022. Despite her determination to get back on the court, Jones’s knee injuries have proven too severe for her to compete at a high level.

It’s a story that captured the hearts of many. Everyone was rooting for her to make a comeback. But sadly, that storybook ending is now off the table. Jones will be remembered for her courage and resilience in the face of adversity. She will continue to work towards her degree, remaining on scholarship and forever being a part of the Hawkeye family.

A Tragic Accident

The accident occurred on July 5, 2022, while Jones and her family were on a trip to Louisville, Kentucky. A car driven by a man under the influence struck them while they were walking on the sidewalk. Jones’s father, Trey, tragically passed away three days later at the age of 42. Ava and her mother, Amy, suffered severe injuries, including Ava’s brain injury, broken collarbone, and significant damage to both knees.

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite the tragedy, Jones showed incredible determination to get back on the court. As a high school junior, she averaged an impressive 20.8 points, 15.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. She was the No. 83 recruit of the 2023 class by ESPN. However, her knee injuries ultimately proved too much for her to overcome.

A New Chapter

Jones will continue to be a part of the Iowa community, working towards her degree and receiving a world-class education. Her coaches, doctors, teammates, and trainers have been incredibly supportive throughout her journey. While she may not be a member of the women’s basketball program, she will forever be a Hawkeye.

Image: Ava Jones in action on the court

A Message from Ava

Jones took to social media to express her gratitude to the Iowa women’s basketball program and her supporters. “I would like to start by saying how grateful I am to have been a part of the Iowa women’s basketball program,” she said. “I am extremely blessed to have been part of the journey last season.”

“It is great sadness to announce that I am medically retiring from college basketball. My coaches, doctors, teammates and trainers have been amazing since the accident. While I will no longer be a member of the women’s basketball program, I will still be on scholarship, receive a world-class education and forever be a Hawkeye.” - Ava Jones

A Bright Future Ahead

While Jones’s basketball career may be coming to an end, her future is still bright. She will continue to be an inspiration to many, and her determination and resilience will undoubtedly serve her well in all her future endeavors.

Image: Ava Jones with her family

Conclusion

Ava Jones’s story is one of courage, resilience, and determination. While her basketball career may not have ended as she had hoped, her future is still full of promise. She will always be remembered as a Hawkeye, and her legacy will live on through her courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.