Mayci Jones: A Champion’s Story
“Every point was so intense.” At 5-5 in the third set with a set apiece, junior Mayci Jones could not have been more right. Whether because it was the longest, most important point of the match, or whether because of her fatigue and nerves, Jones began to cramp in the middle of the deuce point at 5-5. She would go on to lose this crucial point, the next two games, and consequently, the match at a final score of 6-4, 4-6, 5-7.
Jones would later recall this match against Sivan Krems at a national tournament as the “most memorable match” she has ever played. Although she competes in national tennis tournaments monthly, this tournament left an indelible impression on her because of its four hour duration, because of her terrible cramping, because “it was a battle”, and because she ended up losing.
In response to her opponent’s attempt at a drop shot, junior Mayci Jones reaches out for a
Currently ranked 14th in California and 62nd in the nation in the Girls’ 16U division, Jones has big aspirations for her tennis career. “I want to play for college and then potentially go pro. I strive to become better and be like my sisters who I look up to so much because they are both very successful players.” With her first sister Lauren currently coaching the women’s tennis team at BYU and her second sister McCall playing Singles 1 at UCLA and looking to go pro, Jones certainly has much to live up to.
Having played for nine years and holding a consistent record of practicing for three hours every afternoon, Jones does not lead an average life. “The biggest sacrifice I have made is having to skip hanging out with friends or skipping some school dances. Basically, I’m not able to do what a normal high school girl wants to do. But, it’s definitely worth it.”
With so much playtime under her belt, Jones has had to come to terms with some of her biggest struggles. “Sometimes, I get discouraged in my matches. Other than that, I struggle with my nerves in a close match just like every tennis player does.”
Outside of tennis, Jones struggles with school in the same way that most students do. “I struggle with procrastination a little as well.”
Tennis is a constant learning experience for Jones. “I have learned how to stand up for myself, how to be coachable, and how to be patient.”
