This year, Sinclair Women’s Basketball brought some exciting news, the team will be filled with new recruits and returning players, but also a big addition of a new leader. Head coach, Victoria Jones, (a former Dayton Ohio native) has signed with Sinclair Community College. Victoria Jones has been coaching for 14 years on various levels.
“I’ve coached at Belmont High School, Harmony Community School, Cincinnati State Community College, Murray State University, and Eureka College. Recently, I coached a Semi Pro team here in Dayton called the Dayton Gem City Lady Slam,” says coach Jones.
“In my career, I’ve coached a lot of all-conference players, professionals, and I was part of a championship team at Division I Murray State University. As a player, I was a Junior College All-American and I graduated with honors and a 3.5 GPA at St. Catharine College. I also graduated from the University of Dayton where I currently hold the record for most 3’s made in a single game,” she goes on to explain.
“I was also a regular on the honors list as I attended there for two years. I hold three degrees, associates in Physical Education (St. Catharine College), Bachelors in Communication Management (University of Dayton), and a Masters in Special Education (Antioch McGregor University). I am a Reserve teacher in the Trotwood Madison School District. In my free time I enjoy church, shopping and playing the drums. My favorite part about coaching is impacting the character of young women and helping them achieve their goals,” said coach Jones.
Before taking the head coach position here at Sinclair Community College, Coach Jones took many head coach positions, so this position here at Sinclair Community College is all natural to her. When asked what drew her interest to the position with Sinclair Women’s Basketball, she responded, “I was interested in this position because I wanted to give back to the community and help Sinclair Women’s Basketball excel in the classroom, on the court and in the community.”
With a heart of a champion, Coach Jones believes in three important values: academics, character, and building champions. She believes in helping the complete person. “Win the day in the classroom. Win the day in Personal Growth. Win the Day in being a Champion in everything that you do,” said coach Jones.
Her practice strategy is a defensive minded coach. Coach Jones believes in hard work and that it truly pays off. This year will be a whole new year for our Women Tartans. With a strong program and many different strategies. Coach Jones’ practices will involve weights, conditioning, player development and team building. “You win championships in the off-season. My program will be the most discipline and we will demonstrate what it means to be a family,” said coach Jones.
The Sinclair Women’s Basketball team has some returning players and new recruits this coming season. Guard, Alona Skipper, who is the Tartan top shooter and top leading scorer. Ashtin Brandon, forward and top returning rebounder. Sara Thornton, guard and best defender. Timberlynn Donaldson, forward and most improved this summer. Maya Murray, forward, “she has the top team GPA and will probably be an academic all-American when it’s all said and done,” said Jones and Shirneal Burnside, forward.
The Tartans are expecting more from her on the defensive end this year. Along with new recruit the Tartans have welcomed to the team who is Madison Schroeder, forward, their top transfer from a Division-2 school, Ursuline College. Madison Schroeder who is originally from Dayton Carroll High School. Madison who‘s a great student in the classroom will provide help with scoring on the court from inside and out. Chloe Mayfield-Brown, guard, Dorian Carter, guard, and Markesan Watson, forward. The tartan will also have some walk ons that are trying out and may be some good last additions to the roaster.
Coach Jones has assembled a staff by retaining assistant coach Trendale Perkins, and added a student assistant coach, Desiree Kirkendoll, and a Video Coordinator, Brandon Heflin.
This season will bring big changes for the Lady Tartans. With a new head coach, the Sinclair Women’s Basketball team plans on doing great and competitive things this season. Coach Jones’ way of working will not only make these girls champions on the court, but her vision is to produce good character citizens, graduate student athletes and help them transfer to their desired schools.
Afi Ntonolo,
Reporter