Jones signs letter of intent

There was a “letter of intent’ signing ceremony in the Canfield High School athletic foyer on Nov. 12, signifying gymnast Jessica Jones’ acceptance of an athletic scholarship to Pennsylvania State University.

Jones began her gymnastics career at age 2 in “Mommy and Me” classes at the Youngstown Gymnastics Center (YGC) in Boardman. Continuing her training at the YGC through the years, she has risen to competing at the highest level of competition, level 10, for the past six years. Coached by Sandy Sabo, Jones has travelled throughout the U.S. and has garnered a host of state, regional and national titles. Overcoming injuries, she has had a banner year in 2014, qualifying for USA Gymnastics’ level 10 Nationals in Jackson, Miss. and is now preparing for the Junior Olympics level 10 competitive season. Jones visited Ohio State, Michigan, Arizona State and Arkansas before deciding to accept a full scholarship to Penn State.

“I felt Penn State was the best fit for me,” she said. “It was also a good fit for the academic side.”

A 4.119 GPA student at Canfield, she plans to major in kinesiology and exercise science and hopes for a career as a physical therapist or in some form of sports medicine.

Jones is the daughter of Richard and Linda Jones.