Aaliyah Jones joins Southwestern University Women's Lacrosse staff Fall 2025 bringing extensive NCAA Division I playing experience and a strong background in player development and coaching. A native of Austin, Texas, Jones competed as a goalkeeper at both Stony Brook University and Virginia Tech, gaining experience at two highly competitive Division I programs.
During her collegiate career, Jones helped Stony Brook capture the 2024 CAA Championship and earn an NCAA Tournament appearance. She continued her career at Virginia Tech, where she established herself as one of the top goalkeepers in the ACC. Her accomplishments include leading the ACC in saves per game, earning ACC Player of the Week honors, and setting Virginia Tech's single-game saves record twice with 17 saves against both No. 18 James Madison and No. 9 Duke. She was also recognized for her academic achievements as an ACC Graduate Scholar Athlete of the Year and an ACC and IWLCA All-Academic honoree.
Beyond her collegiate playing career, Jones has extensive coaching experience working with athletes of various ages and skill levels. She has coached defense and goalkeepers with GRIT Lacrosse in Austin, FLG Lacrosse on Long Island, and Vandergrift High School. Her experience includes leading position-specific training, developing fundamental skills, organizing team drills, and helping athletes prepare mentally and physically for competition.
Her coaching philosophy emphasizes fundamental mastery, mental skills training, and consistency, with a focus on developing athletes' emotional regulation, discipline, lacrosse IQ, and confidence. As a Texas native, Jones is excited to bring her Division I experience and passion for developing student-athletes back to her home state.
