IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa forward Ava Jones will suffer a medical disqualification and retire from college basketball.
The school and Jones announced the decision Friday, saying Jones would remain on scholarship and work toward his degree at Iowa. She was not allowed to play as a freshman last season as she recovered from injuries suffered when she and her family were struck by a car driven by a drunk driver in 2022 Kentucky. The accident killed his father and seriously injured his mother as well.
Ava Jones suffered a traumatic brain injury, torn ligaments in both knees and a shoulder injury, according to ESPN.
“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 in a social media post.
“It is with great sadness that I announce that I am retiring from college basketball for medical reasons. My coaches, doctors, teammates and trainers have been amazing since the accident. Although I will no longer be a member of the women’s basketball program, I will still have a scholarship, receive a world-class education, and will forever be a Hawkeye.
“I would like to thank my family for their endless support and I am excited for the next chapter of my life.”
Coach Jan Jensen said the program supports Jones’ decision.
“She has worked tirelessly to get to this point, but she made the best decision for herself and her well-being,” Jensen said in a statement.
