Ava Jones ’26 Signs to Play Basketball at the University of Pennsylvania

Ava had some high expectations for her senior year, and as she prepares to continue her basketball career in college, she can look back with a sense of pride. According to the Daily Memphian, Ava averaged 18 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, and three steals per game. She had several goals: becoming a TSSAA Miss Basketball finalist and getting her team to the Final Four in the state tournament. She accomplished both of them.

“When I look back on it, I don't feel it’s something that I could have ever imagined when I started on the varsity team in eighth grade. Being able to achieve my goals this year felt amazing. It honestly makes me want to set more goals so that I can be better in everything that I do,” she said.

Over the years, Ava has learned from past team leaders, and when it was her time to step up, she delivered, as Coach Thomas Jones told the Daily Memphian. Before each game, she would talk to her team about their approach and goals. “I had to look into myself. I told everyone to stop trying to place any blame on others and look at what they individually need to fix. Then, I said we could achieve our goals from there,” Ava said.

Coach Jones said her signing reflects years of hard work, discipline, and commitment. “In our program, we prioritize academic excellence, and Penn is a perfect fit for a student-athlete of her caliber. I have no doubt she will excel both on and off the court, continuing to grow as a player, student, and person,” he said.

Ava is looking forward to working with the coaching staff and her incoming freshman teammates, both of which were factors in her decision. However, her high goals aren’t only on the court. She also values learning and preparing for a future outside of basketball, which led her to the University of Pennsylvania. She is considering a career as a corporate lawyer or a sports agent. The most important thing Ava has learned as a student-athlete is consistency.

“As an athlete, you have to show up every day. You want to take breaks, but you can’t because you have to keep working at your craft. You have to keep working toward whatever goal you have,” she said. “In school, you have to do your work on time, you have to turn in assignments, and you have to make sure you study.”