Iowa’s sophomore forward, Ava Jones, has recently made the difficult decision to retire from college basketball as a result of severe injuries sustained when she was struck by an impaired driver. Regrettably, Jones, who was never able to participate in games for the Hawkeyes due to this tragic incident, will be taking a medical disqualification. This announcement was made by the Hawkeyes’ coach, Jan Jensen, subsequent to consultations with the team doctor and athletic trainers. Despite her inability to play for Iowa in the 2023-24 season, Jones will persist in the pursuit of her degree in sports media and culture while maintaining her scholarship.
In a poignant statement conveyed on social media, Jones expressed her appreciation for her time as a member of the Iowa women’s basketball program and the encompassing support she has received following the accident. She acknowledged the sorrow accompanying the announcement of her medical retirement from college basketball but also conveyed her optimism for the imminent chapter in her life.
Before matriculating at Iowa, Jones excelled as a player at Nickerson High School in Kansas, meriting a ranking of No. 83 in ESPN’s HoopGurlz player rankings for the Class of 2023. Her once promising future in college basketball was abruptly altered when she was struck by an impaired driver while taking a walk with her family in Louisville. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of her father and left her mother and brother with severe injuries.
In spite of the considerable challenges that Jones has confronted, the University of Iowa has committed to facilitating her education by ensuring she can continue it on scholarship. Coach Jensen has articulated the team’s complete backing for Jones’s decision to step away from the game in order to prioritize her well-being and recovery. The university has confirmed that Jones will remain on scholarship as she navigates this arduous period.
The driver responsible for the accident, Michael Steele Empson Hurley of Lexington, Ind., has been indicted by a grand jury and faces multiple charges, including murder, assault, and operating a vehicle under the influence.
Jones’s resolution to retire from college basketball serves as a poignant reminder of the unforeseeable challenges capable of fundamentally impacting the lives of student-athletes. Her resilience and tenacity in the face of adversity are indicative of her strength of character and the unwavering support she has received from her family, teammates, coaches, and the university community.
As the Iowa women’s basketball program stands behind Jones in her journey to recovery, her narrative serves as a source of inspiration to all those who have confronted difficult circumstances and underscores the significance of prioritizing one’s well-being. We extend our best wishes to Ava Jones as she embarks on the forthcoming chapter of her life and continues to pursue her academic and personal aspirations.