Emani Jones '15 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Emani Jones and I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to learn more about me as an athlete, student and my passion for throwing. Growing up I was not very active in sports. I always enjoyed watching them but never thought of myself as the type who would participate. 

When I moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2009 my mother suggested that I get more active. At the age of 12 I signed up and played middle school volleyball. Although it was my first time playing any type of sport and I had no idea what I was doing, I enjoyed being coached and the competition. Going into my freshman I developed a love for volleyball. The games were very fast paced and far more competitive than middle school was, however I found a way to adjust and continued to play throughout the rest of the season. I played club after season ended, then I transferred to a new school sophomore year. After making the team I continued to play, however  I struggled. This team was far more advanced than the last and had a reputation for dominating on the court. Through all the difficult workouts, early morning practices and plenty of tears I managed to get through the season even receiving most improved at the end. When tryouts came for my junior year something didn't feel right. During tryouts I realized I lacked passion and motivation to do task I could do in my sleep. After talking with my mother I made the very difficult decision to quit.

During the second semester of my sophomore year, one of my volleyball teammates suggest I throw with her. I did not expect much from my first season but as the end approached I decided it was a great sport. After quitting volleyball I was more focused on throwing. Now that I knew the basics from the previous year I was excited to improve my technique and compete against some of the best. I placed first in the Apollo/Hal Anders Invitational and Mario Castro Invite for girls shot put. I qualified and competed in state for both shot put and discus. Although i did not win or place in the top ten, I had a new fire and passion that burned within me.