Jones, Ande

Ande was a player and coach with a history of firsts. As a player she was a member of the team that won the first State Volleyball Championship at Bradshaw High School; the first summer league Class A State Championship; the first State Volleyball Championship at UNA; and the first female to play on the tennis team at Bradshaw High School, playing on the boys team, since there was no girls team at the time. As a volleyball player she was named to the All-State team her junior and senior years at Bradshaw and All-Region and All-State teams at UNA. As a badminton player at UNA she won State Championships in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. As a coach she coached the first women’s tennis team at UNA and advanced to Regionals; coached first UNA volleyball team to the Gulf South Conference Championship; and coached the UNA slow-pitch softball team to the first GSC Championship. She started the fast pitch softball program and coached them to the first GSC championship. She initiated the first Title IX investigation of the athletic programs at UNA that resulted in positive changes to the women’s programs including the addition of soccer, additional coaches, better travel and facilities. As a coach her UNA volleyball teams won six GSC Championships and UNA softball teams won three GSC Championships while receiving Coach of the Year honors. She has been inducted to the UNA Athletic Hall of Fame.