Sydney Jones, the Lady Vols’ 2024 AAC Freshman of the Year.
Sydney Jones, a standout freshman outside hitter for Temple University, made an immediate impact in the 2024 women’s volleyball season. Her remarkable performance earned her the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Freshman of the Year award, highlighting her as one of the most promising newcomers in the league. (Temple, Temple)
Hailing from Havertown, Pennsylvania, Sydney Jones attended Haverford High School, where she was recognized as the 2023 Athlete of the Year. During her high school career, she surpassed 1,000 career kills and excelled in track and field, setting records in the high jump. Her athletic versatility and leadership qualities were evident early on, paving the way for her collegiate success.(Temple)
In her inaugural season at Temple, Jones quickly established herself as a key player. She appeared in 27 of the Owls’ 30 matches, leading the team with 35 service aces and ranking second in kills with an average of 3.6 per set. Her offensive prowess was complemented by her defensive contributions, as she recorded nine double-doubles throughout the season. Notably, she achieved a career-high 25 kills in a five-set match against Binghamton and accumulated 27.5 points in a three-set victory over Rider. (Temple)
Jones’ exceptional performance did not go unnoticed. In addition to the AAC Freshman of the Year award, she was named to the All-AAC Second Team and the All-Freshman Team. Her consistent excellence earned her the AAC Freshman of the Week honor three times during the season. (Temple)
Further acknowledging her talent, Jones was selected as the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Rookie of the Year. The ECAC, encompassing over 200 member schools across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, recognized her as one of the top freshman talents in the region. (Temple)
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, Jones possesses a formidable presence at the net. Her powerful attacking style and ability to read the game make her a dual-threat on offense and defense. Her versatility allows her to adapt to various match situations, contributing significantly to her team’s success.(Temple)
Beyond her individual accolades, Jones’ contributions were instrumental in Temple’s overall performance during the season. Her leadership and consistent play were vital in securing key victories and elevating the team’s competitive stature within the AAC.(Temple)
As Jones continues her collegiate career, expectations remain high. Her inaugural season has set a strong foundation, and with her work ethic and skill development, she is poised to become a cornerstone of Temple’s volleyball program. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating the impact of dedication and passion in achieving excellence.
Sydney Jones’ freshman year at Temple University exemplifies the emergence of a new volleyball star. Her accolades and performances have not only brought recognition to herself but have also elevated the Temple Owls’ volleyball program on a national scale. As she progresses, her influence is expected to grow, leaving a lasting legacy in collegiate volleyball.
