Ava Jones, forward for Iowa women’s basketball, retires due to injuries from a 2022 accident. She will remain on scholarship, continuing her education. Coach Jan Jensen and the team fully support her decision.
Key Takeaways
- Ava Jones, Iowa women’s basketball forward, is retiring from college basketball due to severe injuries from a 2022 accident.
- Despite retiring, Jones will remain on scholarship at Iowa and receive continued support from her coaches and teammates as she pursues her degree.
- The accident, caused by an impaired driver, resulted in the tragic death of Ava’s father and serious injuries to Ava and her mother, influencing her decision to retire.
Ava Jones Announces Retirement Amid Injuries
Ava Jones, a talented forward for the Iowa women’s basketball team, has announced her retirement from college basketball due to severe injuries sustained in a 2022 accident.
Despite this setback, she will continue her education at Iowa, supported by her coaches and teammates.
Accident That Changed Everything
In July 2022, Ava Jones and her family were struck by an impaired driver while walking on a sidewalk in Louisville, Kentucky.
The accident occurred just days after Jones committed to Iowa, following her decommitment from Arizona State.
Tragically, her father, Trey Jones, was killed, while Ava and her mother, Amy, sustained serious injuries.
Ava suffered a traumatic injury, torn ligaments in both knees, and a shoulder injury. Amy Jones endured a brain injury and 21 broken bones.
Ava Jones’ Decision to Retire Amid Recovery Efforts
Despite the severity of her injuries, Ava joined the Iowa women’s basketball program for the 2023-24 season. However, she was never medically cleared to play.
Ava made the decision to retire after consulting with team doctors and athletic trainers.
In a heartfelt social media post, she expressed her gratitude for the support she received from her coaches, teammates, and medical staff.
“I would like to start by saying how grateful I am to have been part of the Iowa women’s basketball program,” Jones wrote.
“It is with great sadness to announce that I am medically retiring from college basketball. My coaches, doctors, teammates, and trainers have been amazing since the accident. While I will no longer be a member of the women’s basketball program, I will still be on scholarship, receive a world-class education, and forever be a Hawkeye.“
Legal Fallout and Charges Following the Accident
The driver responsible for the accident, Michael Hurley, was indicted by a grand jury.
He faces multiple charges, including one count of murder, two counts of first-degree assault, one count of fourth-degree assault, and one count of operating a motor vehicle under the influence.
At the time of the crash, Hurley was on probation for drug-related charges and admitted to taking hydrocodone before driving.
Jones Continues Her Journey at Iowa Beyond Basketball
Despite her inability to play, Ava’s scholarship remains intact and does not count against the team’s limit of 15 active basketball players. Coach Jan Jensen emphasized the team’s unwavering support for Ava’s decision to prioritize her health and well-being.
“We wish Ava the best on the road to recovery and fully support the decision she made to step away from the game,” Jensen said.
“She worked tirelessly to get to this point, but she made the best decision for herself and her well-being.“
Ava Jones’ journey from a promising high school basketball star to facing a life-changing accident and ultimately retiring from the sport is a testament to her resilience and determination.
As she continues her education at Iowa, she remains an integral part of the Hawkeye community and exemplifies strength in the face of adversity.