Anna Jones, a high school freshman outfielder from Texas, turned a Louisiana State softball camp into a life-changing experience this past winter.

Her father and club coach of the Sudden Impact 14U team, Bill Jones, said Anna received an offer from the Tigers’ staff after they watched her during the fall of 2014, at camps and on the field last summer.

Despite receiving interest from other SEC schools as well as programs in the Big East, Anna said her “a-ha” moment occurred this winter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“That’s when I had my talk and visit,” she remembered, “but while we were talking, I just couldn’t stop smiling. Just thinking about going to LSU made me want to jump up and down! As we were leaving, I looked at the field one last time, and I just knew this is where I want to go.”

The Tiger coaches undoubtedly saw the potential in Anna's innate tools and finely tuned skills. An athletic outfielder with a strong arm, she can hit for power as well as drop a drag bunt and pressure defenses with her speed. The standout freshman is also known for her competitive streak while being a fun teammate.

Her father admitted, “Anna can be a bit of a goofball on and off the field!"

A three-sport athlete who also played volleyball and basketball, Anna started softball after watching her older sister play. By age nine, her father was taking her to league sign-ups, and before long, she made a select all-star team. The next season, she joined the Sudden Impact program, and “hasn’t looked back,” according to her dad.

Despite his former policy on coaching his children, Bill Jones said he has loved helping her hone her athletic abilities and team skills.

“I have always tried to avoid coaching my own kids,” he explained, “but it is always fun working with kids that have a drive and passion for the game like she does.  This fall has probably been my favorite season with her. I have never been around a group of girls that love each other as much as this group does and that is incredibly rewarding as a coach, but even more so as a parent.”

***

Player: ANNA JONES
Pos: Outfield

Year: 2019

High School: Cy-Ranch (Cypress, Texas)

Club: Sudden Impact – Jones 14U

Key Stat: .386 batting average against 16U pitching last fall

GPA: 5.43

College: LSU

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When did you first realize you loved softball?
"I first realized I loved softball in my second year of 10U when I started my first year of select ball."

What has been your best experience on the field?
"This last fall was an incredible experience with great friends and teammates."

Funniest thing you’ve seen while playing:
"The funniest thing I’ve seen while playing is when my dad/coach Bill was the third base coach, and he had a girl rounding two, and he gave her the green light to come while the other team was throwing the ball trying to get her out. My dad was yelling, 'get here!, get here!' really getting into it, then at last minute, he flops on the ground while screaming, “get down!” and the girl slides and makes it, but he’s on the ground looking like a little kid throwing a fit."

Favorite color:
Pink

Favorite food:
Seafood

Favorite ice cream and topping:
"Blue Bell’s Moolenium Crunch, and I love chocolate with peanuts on my ice cream."

Favorite movie of all time:
"A League of Their Own or Sixteen Candles… I can’t choose between them; they are both so good."

Favorite holiday and why:
"Easter, because every year it is a tradition for my dad to take me and my sisters dress shopping, and we all go to church together. I love going to church and celebrating how Christ has risen. When we wake up Easter morning, we find eggs all over the backyard and we see who can find the most eggs. We are all so competitive to the point we jump off our jungle gym to get the most eggs."

One thing I’d have on a deserted island:
"I would probably have a boat so I could leave the island!"

What is it about Louisiana State that made you want to be a Tiger?
"I loved the atmosphere and relationship everyone had. I felt safe, and that I could just talk to anyone there without a second thought. I felt at home."

How many Louisiana State items have you purchased so far?
"I have gotten about three or four new LSU items."

What were your circumstances when you committed?
"I was picked up by my dad from my mom’s house because it was his weekend. He asked if I was ready to call when we got home, and I smiled real big and said yes. So he stopped the engine, got out, and said, 'I’ll give you your privacy.' So I called, but there was no pick up, then I called again like 15 minutes later. I was super scared and excited and nervous! It rang a couple times, then I heard Coach Beth Torina say hello and we talked for a bit. When I was done I went inside to tell everyone and my dad congratulated me and gave me a big hug."

Best advice you’ve ever been given:
"I used to spend too much time worrying about what others said and thought, so the best advice I received was: 'You be you, and stick to what’s right, and don’t let them bother you or bring you down.' Titus 3:2 says: 'To speak of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.' If you stick to this verse, then it won’t matter what others say because God knows what they are doing and how you are handling it. Proverbs 10:12 says: 'Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.'"

What are your goals in high school and club ball?
"(For) club ball, my goal is to progress in the game and really get better and compete at nationals. (In) high school ball, my goal is to have fun playing the game I love and to get my work in."

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