Iowa basketball player announces medical retirement nearly 2 years after Louisville crash

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Ava Jones, a current sophomore at the University of Iowa, is set to retire from the sport of basketball nearly two years after she and her family were involved in a deadly crash in downtown Louisville.

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This announcement was made Friday by the university following discussion with team doctors and athletic trainers.

On July 5, 2022, Jones and her family were in Louisville when a car driven by a drunk driver jumped the curb and ran them over. Jones’ father was killed in the crash. From this incident, Jones struggled with a head and back injury.

Head Coach Jan Jensen said Jones made the decision to step away from basketball and wishes her the best.

“We wish Ava the best on the road to recovery and fully support the decision she made to step away from the game,” Jensen said. “She worked tirelessly to get to this point, but she made the best decision for herself and her well-being.”

From a statement released by the former basketball player, she shows gratitude towards her experience as a member of the University of Iowa’s basketball team.

“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. “I am extremely blessed to have been a part of the journey last season.”

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Commenting on how grateful she is for the support of her family, teammates, coaches, doctors, and trainers, Jones also talks about her status as a student.

“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,” she said. “I am excited for the next chapter of my life.”

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