Checking in with ... Aiko Jones

Throughout the remainder of the 2020, we will check in with the players on the University of Louisville volleyball team as they complete their semesters online. This week we check in with redshirt-freshman Aiko Jones.

Aiko Jones was named to the All-Texas Regional, a first for any Cardinal. The Kingston, Jamaica native scored 86.5 points in the four tournament matches, 40 more than the next Cardinal. She averaged 4.56 kills per set, notched seven aces, 21 digs and 12 blocks. She was named an AVCA HM All-American and led the Cardinals in points (460), kills (382) and is second in blocks (97). She was the leading hitter in NCAA play in with 86.5 points in the four post season matches. After the regular season, Jones was voted to the First Team All-ACC Squad

Q: What are your thoughts on spring season being cancelled?
A: Even though we are a fall sport, hearing that the season got cancelled was heart-breaking. My heart hurts more for the spring sport athletes that were mid-season, but I do believe it was the right decision concerning the health of athletes and everyone associated with college sports.

Q: If you could say something to the basketball players/swimmers/indoor track athletes who do not get a senior season back and missed their championship what would it be?
A: "I am here for you." (If it were me, I don't think anything any person would say could possibly make me feel better. I would just be sure to let them know that I am here for them.)

Q: What would you say to the spring sports who lost a whole season?
A: "We may never know why it happened, but we can sure determine what comes out of it." It's hard to know what will help and what won't, but I know for sure that I'll continue to encourage athletes to make this dead period be more than what it is. We must come out of it stronger/faster/fitter than how we went into it.

Q: What are you doing with yourself during your free time?
A: I'm still trying to develop a routine, but I've been doing my homework, studying for my classes and working out every day at home. I've also been using some time to practice some of my hobbies, and catch up with family.

Q: What did do for spring break?
A: I stayed in Louisville for Spring Break, and that was the plan all along. What was not part of the plan was ending up in Jamaican for the rest of the semester, but I'm very happy I'm here.

Q: How are you continuing to stay in shape during this time?
A: Even though I don't have access to workout equipment at home, I've been following a workout plan to maintain strength and power and I've been using whatever I find that can substitute as a weight or as a box. It's been a fun time.

Q: Your impressions on the spring season up to this point?
A: Up until the cut-off point, our team was looking really good and looking forward to playing some games after spring break. We have put in a lot of work this semester and we've all continued to improve and it's been a joy to be a part of.

Q: What will you miss most about being on campus?
A: The worst part of this whole thing is not getting to see my teammates every day.

Q: Have you and your teammates been keeping in contact through all of this and how?
A: My teammates and I text everyday and send each other things workout pictures to motivate each other and to keep our goals alive. I video call them from time to time too -- anything to make it feel like we're still in the same place. We have Zoom team meetings.

Q: Is there anything you would like to say to Card Nation?
A: Card Nation, you all are so special to me and to our program. That being said, I NEED you all to stay home as much as possible so that once this all blows over we can meet up in the L&N Arena again. I miss you guys so much and can't wait to be back on that court soon!

Q: What is your favorite memory of this season?
A: Definitely beating Texas in the regional semifinal in Austin.

Q: What is your favorite memory as a Cardinal?
A: During preseason we normally get catered meals for dinner. Last preseason on my birthday, the coaches surprised us with Jamaican food for dinner and they surprised me with a birthday cake that had Jamaican flags on it. I distinctly remember approaching the room and smelling the food and saying to my teammates that the food smells really good and oddly familiar, only to walk in and see jerk chicken, rice and peas and fried plantains. It felt like I was home for a night, which was an amazing feeling. What made it ten times better was that everyone loved the food and we laughed and talked and had a great time.

Q: Are you home or on campus?
A: I am happy to be home in Jamaica with my family. I'm not a big TV watcher, but since being here I've watched the movie Coming to America, I've watched a couple documentaries and I'm thinking of starting All American. I've also been editing videos for my YouTube channel and coming up with ideas for new content.

Q: How have people in your family been directly affected by the virus?
A: Thankfully, we are all still healthy. My older brother and I are both home from the college in the US and as a result we have had to self-isolate from the rest of our family for a period of 14 days per the Government's recommendation. My younger siblings' schools are closed until further notice so like us they have to do work online everyday.

Aiko Jones Quote Graphic

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