Iowa sophomore forward Ava Jones, who was seriously injured as a pedestrian hit by an impaired driver before she ever played for the Hawkeyes, will take a medical disqualification and retire from college basketball. Hawkeyes coach Jan Jensen made the announcement Friday after Jones consulted with team doctor and athletic trainers. She was not cleared to play for Iowa in the 2023-24 season but will remain on scholarship and continue to work toward her degree in sports media and culture.
. “I would like to start by saying how grateful I am to have been a part of the Iowa women’s basketball program,” Jones said Friday on social media. “I am extremely blessed to have been a part of the journey last season. “It is with great sadness to announce that I am medically retiring from college basketball. My coaches, doctors, teammates, and trainers have been amazing since the accident. While I will no longer be a member of the women’s basketball program, I will still be on scholarship, receive a world class education and forever be a Hawkeye. “I’d like to thank my family for the never-ending support and I am excited for the next chapter of my life.” The 6-foot-2 Jones was a star at Nickerson (Kan.) High School and ranked.
