Local athlete makes the difference for Jones tennis team
For Ridge Jones, playing tennis at Jones College is more than just getting wins- it is about leading his teammates and representing his hometown.
The Jones College sophomore was born and raised in Laurel, Mississippi. His love for tennis first came at just 12 years old from watching it on television. Shortly after, he started playing in middle school. Ridge went to high school at Northeast Jones where he focused on getting better at tennis. He would hit the ball back and forth against a wall, then he took lessons, and later he would go on to play at Laurel Country Club. After that he never looked back. In his later years of high school, he claimed four district titles in singles and mixed doubles and two state singles championships. Now in his second year at Jones, he has already won ITA B draw titles in singles and doubles while helping lead the Bobcats to win the conference and regional championships.
Jones College head tennis Coach Brooks Buffington describes Ridge as someone who stands out on and off the court.
“Ridge is one of the most-liked players not only on my team but on our campus,” Buffington said. “He knows so many people and is heavily involved in our community. He’s an extremely hard worker and a fierce competitor.”
Ridge’s discipline goes beyond the court. He not only keeps himself motivated, but he motivates his whole team.
“I try to push my teammates to be the best they can be and hold them accountable,” he said. “Off the court, I’m always available to help them if they need it because that’s what being a good teammate means.”
That leadership has not gone unnoticed by his teammates. His roommate and teammate, Crews Cockrell, describes Ridge as going above and beyond in being a good teammate.
“He’s probably the most disciplined person I know,” Cockrell said. “He’s always dependable and such a super competitor.”
Coach Buffington also describes Ridge as being the best example of a good leader.
“He leads by example and is highly respected by his teammates,” Buffington said. “He also plays in our highest singles position for a Mississippi player, which is a tough role.”
Ridge’s journey to where he is now did not come easy, and he really had to work for it. Between his junior and senior years of high school, he dropped 60 pounds. Ridge felt like he needed to make a change to improve his game, and after doing so, he went on to win back-to-back state championships at NJHS. The success and confidence that he had last season has continued into the 2025 season as well.
“When the ITA tournament came around and I played like I did, it gave me so much confidence,” he said. “I knew I belonged on the team.”
His coach said that doing as well as Ridge did, were defining moments that really showed how much he had grown not only as a player, but as a person.
“Ridge won the B draw of our fall ITA in both 2024 and 2025,” Buffington said. “Those were large accomplishments that showed he is one of the best Mississippi players in junior college tennis.”
Ridge’s success comes from his drive to constantly improve. He is not motivated by the recognition but by the satisfaction of being able to be better every day. He grew up learning that if one works hard then it will eventually pay off. The mindset he has built throughout the years of going to practice early, staying late and always making sure to hold everyone accountable, even himself, has helped make him the great teammate that he is today.
Even from a young age he has seen himself as a leader who not only strives to be better himself but who pushes his teammates to succeed as well.
“I don’t let people slack,” he said. “Everyone on the team knows I’m not going to slack either. I try to lead by example.”
While Ridge can be an intense competitor on the court, he still tries to rally his team when the season gets tough. He keeps a clear focus no matter what. For him, playing tennis is not just about winning, but it is about representing his school and giving his full effort every time.
“I always try to be positive and uplifting,” he said. “Our season is long, and it can be very draining if you’re constantly in a negative environment. I try to keep it lively and positive for everyone.”
Coach Buffington can tell that Ridge’s leadership comes naturally and is one of the things that keeps the team going.
“Ridge does things the right way,” Buffington said. “He gives 100 percent effort every time. He’s a fierce competitor and a great leader by example.”
Ridge’s leadership comes from experience. He has learned to set the tone for his team, not only by using his voice, but by showing them. His quiet confidence allows his team to lean on him; which makes him the type of leader people want to naturally follow. Ridge hopes to carry that positive attitude into every match this season.
“I work extremely hard and hope all my teammates know I care about them,” he said. “I just hope we have a season even better than last year.”
For Ridge Jones, playing tennis at Jones is more than just a sport. It is a reflection of his leadership and hard work. It also represents his growth on and off the court. From hitting balls back and forth against a wall growing up to playing at the college level, Ridge has come so far, and he is not even close to being done.
by Jackson Vella
