Black History Month Profile: Whitney Jones
2/20/2024 6:48:00 AM | Softball
COLUMBUS, Ohio - As both a player and a coach, softball has taken Whitney Jones many places. Her story is one that is still being written, but as the journey continues to unfold, she's mindful of the opportunities in front of her that coaching brings.
"It's important being in a position of influence that we remain intentional in creating opportunities for future generations," Jones said.
Jones' opportunities started collegiately at the University of Washington where she was an All-Pac-12 performer for the Huskies. A four-year letterwinner from 2011-14, she also played on softball's biggest stage at the Women's College World Series. Coaching was her next calling, and the road to Ohio State started as the head coach at Garfield High School and then wound back to Washington, where she spent four years as a volunteer assistant coach.
In 2021, the next stop for Jones was across the country in Orlando, Florida as the hitting coach at Central Florida. In her one season with the Knights, Jones' impact was immediate. She helped lead on the nation's best offenses and ultimately UCF made the program's first-ever Super Regional appearance.
Jones has brought all of those experiences with her to Ohio State, where she's currently in her second season on the Buckeyes' staff. Promoted last summer to associate head coach, she's coaching an offense that is among the Big Ten and NCAA leaders thus far in batting average, slugging percentage and on-base percentage.
While success on the field has followed everywhere she's gone, Jones is also mindful of the big picture and her career takes the next shape.
"Using my positionality for the greater good, not just stats, will be the ultimate success for me," said Jones. "My goal by the end of all of this is to impact change over the lives of all those I encounter."
