Senior Jones not just a team player

Field hockey coach Amy Robertson ranks Akila Jones' competitive focus on par with Tiger Woods'. To some, that might seem like a lofty comparison. But, they have probably never seen Jones play. With her dominating yet poised presence in the backfield, Jones has helped create a foundation for field hockey at IU.\nThe 5-foot 11-inch, fifth-year senior hails from Potomac, Md., a city just outside Washington, D.C. Jones earned varsity letters all four years at Winston Churchill High School in both field hockey and basketball. \nJones attributes her competitive nature and intense focus to her family. \n"My Dad always told me to dream big and stay hungry for the ball," Jones said.\nAkila's brother, Dhani, also played a role in shaping the defensive star. Dhani Jones started at inside-linebacker for the Michigan Wolverines from 1997-99 and now plays professionally for the New York Giants. \n"I saw my brother's focus and how it helped him attain his dreams, and I wanted to be like him in a way," Jones said. \nJones originally pursued field hockey as a club sport prior to her junior year. When Jones learned that it was going varsity, she was overjoyed at the chance to tryout. She made the team and appeared in 10 games in 2000. Jones started all 17 games of last year's 1-16 campaign and has matured into a leadership position in this, her final year of eligibility. \nDespite her field hockey prowess, sports are not Jones' number-one passion. Music is her first love. Although she is a psychology major, Jones regularly attends professional performance auditions and is a member of IU's Singing Hoosiers. \n"No matter how much I get razzed by my teammates, I will be at the next American Idol tryout," Jones joked.\nTeammate and coaches adore Jones for her varied interests and talents. Robertson proudly declares Jones the most improved player since the institution of the program. \n"Akila is an enlarging player," Robertson said. "She provides communication, confidence and 100 percent commitment." \nSenior goalkeeper Molly Pulkrabek agreed and said Jones is a refreshing part of the team.\n"She talks constantly and always makes my job easier," Pulkrabek said. "She definitely brings a lot of control and leadership to this team." \nThis year's squad has remnants of a team that put up an abysmal 1-16 mark last year. Although, they are 1-3 on the young season, the team has seen noticeable improvement, and Jones said she knows why. \n"Last year we had 15 new players and this year we only have five," Jones said. "We are all on the same page and we believe in ourselves." \nThe team won its opener against Miami of Ohio and set a record for goals scored with five. They played tough against Maine and even out-shot nationally ranked UC-Berkeley, but lost 1-0. \n"I am so proud of our team," Jones said. "Every loss is a new learning experience. We will succeed because we have the same goals." \nJones' athletic ability and presence of mind have given the Hoosiers a team that is united and fundamentally sound -- something Tiger Woods would undoubtedly approve of.