Jones College has a reputation for winning, and this year is no different. Both the women’s and men’s teams clinched the MACC Conference Championship.
The Jones College tennis teams, which are 10 men (11-3-3) and eight women (17-0) are coached by Brooks Buffington. Motivation is key in his dedicated coaching style. Coach Buffington selected these players for his team not only based on their talent but also on how they held themselves off the court.“The players I bring in are typically players that are coming because they want to succeed,” said Buffington. “They want to get better; they want to win championships. They take care of their academics. They want to take care of every aspect of themselves.”
The Bobcats started in the fall to prepare for the spring season ahead. High standards are not only expected by Coach Brooks, but also by each teammate. The results of their hours-long daily practices can be seen on the court. While the freshmen are adapting to academics and athletics beyond high school, the new expectations have not set this team back.
“In high school, you are a big fish in a small pond, and in college, you are a normal fish in a really big pond,” said freshman Ridge Jones. “It takes a lot of getting used to in the first month and a half.”
The women’s team clinched the NJCAA Regional 23 Championship title. Having an undefeated back-to-back season, the women’s team will head to nationals the first week of May. This title-winning year commemorates 29 years of Jones College being the conference champions.
“It feels so good to win. I am not a yeller, but playing against Gulf Coast in the regional tournament brought it out of me because you have to bring the energy,” said freshman Josie Tullos. “When I woke up the next day it almost felt like a dream.”
The men’s team competed for the NJCAA Regional Championship on April 26 at home, clinching the Championship title.
Both men’s and women’s teams will be playing in the national tournament in the first week of May. The men’s tournament will be held in Florence, SC and the women’s in Tylertown, TX.
by Emma Claire Lowe
