Jonquel Jones: A Champion’s Journey and a Voice for Change
Jonquel Jones, a name now synonymous with basketball excellence and unwavering advocacy, has been recognized as one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year. This prestigious honor celebrates women who have demonstrated exceptional impact within their communities and across the nation. Jones’ selection is a testament to her remarkable achievements both on and off the court.
In a recent interview conducted in the New York Liberty’s locker room, Jones exudes a quiet confidence, the kind earned through hard work, dedication, and a WNBA championship victory. Her smile, described as both welcoming and assured, hints at a deep understanding of her journey and a determination to continue pushing boundaries. Jones is an athlete who invites others into her world, sharing her experiences and emphasizing that her story is far from over.
Like many aspiring athletes, Jones spent her childhood dreaming of basketball stardom. She recounts countless hours spent practicing, playing games, and envisioning herself as a champion. However, she acknowledges that the path from dreaming to achieving is fraught with challenges, and that most individuals who pursue this path fall short of their ultimate goals. Jones, however, defied those odds.
"You play basketball in the driveway…and you dream about being a champion, and you make scenarios up, and count down the shot clock, and shoot the game-winning shots," she recalls. "And so, you dream about this moment as a younger child, but there’s so much work in between dreaming and actually making it happen. And so, to actually have everything come to fruition, it means a lot."
The culmination of Jones’ efforts reached a pinnacle in recent years. While her WNBA career had been steadily progressing, the last season marked a turning point. She led the New York Liberty to a WNBA championship, solidifying her status as a dominant force in the league. Her exceptional performance in the Finals earned her the coveted Finals MVP award, a testament to her skill, determination, and leadership.
When asked about her mindset during the Finals, Jones emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and focus. "Mindset going into the Finals was just to do everything that needed to be done, not to get too high or get too low, and kind of treat that last game the same way I’ve been treating the entire season," she explained. She prioritized staying even-keeled, managing her emotions, and focusing on winning each possession, quarter, and ultimately, the game. Her ability to remain grounded amidst the intense pressure of the championship series was crucial to her success.
However, Jones’ recognition as a Woman of the Year extends beyond her athletic prowess. She is celebrated for her humanity and her commitment to social justice. Jones embodies the values of the WNBA, a league that has historically championed civil rights and equality. She speaks openly about her Black queerness and her pride in her identity, both within the United States and in her native Bahamas.
"I mean, obviously, I’m from a very Christian nation," she shares. "I’m from a place where there’s not a lot of people that look like me, that dress like me, that have the sexual preference that I do. And so, for me, it was really tough to find myself and figure out exactly who I was and then to also live that truth."
Jones recognizes the challenges she faced in navigating her identity in a society that often marginalizes and excludes individuals who deviate from the norm. However, she has chosen to embrace her authentic self and use her platform to advocate for inclusivity and acceptance.
"But I think, for me, the best way to really break those barriers is just being myself, being unapologetic about it, and being open and speaking about it," Jones asserts. She acknowledges that she has sometimes refrained from speaking out against negativity, but she now feels more comfortable using her voice to address injustice and to empower others. "I feel way more comfortable being able to use my platform to speak out against those things, to voice how I feel, and to also just let other kids that were like me when I was growing up just know that there’s someone out there that represents them and that there is success, there is happiness, there is joy."
In addition to her championship title and MVP award, Jones has become a beloved figure in New York, captivating Liberty fans with her talent and charisma. Her appeal extends far beyond national borders. She recounts a heartwarming encounter with a woman in the Bahamas who expressed her fervent support during the championship series.
"I think I was at home in the Bahamas, and this lady came to me, and she’s like, ‘Girl, I was pulling and cheering for you in the championship, and when they called your name, it was MVP, I was smacking my TV so hard, I (broke) my TV,’" Jones remembers with a smile. The woman’s enthusiastic reaction underscored the profound impact Jones had on her fans and her community.
Jones finds inspiration in the support and encouragement she receives from her fans and loved ones. "I think that’s the energy and something that sticks out to me is just that so many people have been pulling and cheering for me," she reflects. "And a lot of times in life, sometimes you get too caught up on people that are kind of pulling against you, and you forget about all the people that are cheering for you and that are in your corner. And so, it’s good to focus on the right things and the people that are really just pushing you towards your goals."
While Jonquel Jones has achieved remarkable success, she remains grounded and focused on the future. She recognizes that her journey is far from over and that she has much more to accomplish, both on and off the court. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, advocates for social justice, and anyone who dares to dream big and work tirelessly to achieve their goals. Jonquel Jones is a champion, a role model, and a force for positive change in the world.
