In a historic transfer for Jamaican volleyball, Aiko Jones has signed an expert contract with the Atlanta Vibe, marking the primary time a Jamaican-born participant has joined the Volleyball Professional League in america.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and recognized for her prowess as an reverse hitter, Jones has had a powerful collegiate profession on the College of Louisville in Kentucky and is now able to make an affect on the skilled degree.
The Atlanta Vibe, primarily based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a part of the Professional Volleyball Federation and started competing within the league’s inaugural 2024 season. Their house video games are held on the Fuel South Area in Duluth, Georgia. Jones’ signing is anticipated to considerably improve the crew’s efficiency, given her in depth expertise and versatile enjoying fashion.
A household custom
Born on August 12, 1999, in Kingston, Jamaica, Jones attended Wolmer’s Ladies’ Faculty the place she excelled in each volleyball and observe and subject. Her volleyball profession continues a household custom, as her mother and father, Paula-Anne Porter-Jones and Dr. Thaon Jon Jones, had been additionally achieved athletes.
Jones expressed her enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating, “Enjoying skilled volleyball has been a dream of mine since I first stepped onto the court docket at Marescaux Street. Signing this contract is a serious milestone, and I’m dedicated to persevering with to offer my finest.”
– Commercial –
She hinted on the signing on social media, posting, “What are the percentages I signed my first skilled contract in the identical stadium I stood in entrance of #CardNation for the primary time?”
Throughout her time with the Louisville Cardinals, Jones grew to become a dominant presence on the court docket. In 2023, she was acknowledged with AVCA All-East Area honors and was named to the All-ACC Second Staff. Over 112 units, she recorded 249 kills with a .260 hitting share, alongside 15 assists, 27 aces, 147 digs, and 86 blocks. Her standout efficiency included 13 kills towards Florida State.
Instrumental in her crew’s success
The earlier yr, Jones was instrumental in her crew’s success, incomes spots on the Closing 4 All-Event crew, the All-Louisville Regional crew, the AVCA First-Staff All-East Area crew, and the All-ACC First Staff. She performed in all 119 units, reaching 300 kills with a .268 hitting share, main the crew with 44 aces, and contributing 108 complete blocks, for a complete of 401 factors for the season.
– Commercial –
Jones is at the moment pursuing a grasp’s diploma in communications, balancing her tutorial and athletic commitments. Her signing with the Atlanta Vibe represents a major milestone for Jamaican athletes, paving the best way for future skills from the island to pursue skilled volleyball alternatives.
As Aiko Jones begins this new chapter with the Atlanta Vibe, the volleyball neighborhood in Jamaica and her supporters around the globe shall be eagerly following her progress and celebrating her achievements within the sport.
