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For volleyball standout Crista Jones, family has played a significant role in her experience at the University of La Verne.  It was evident in her decision to attend the institution, and it has been prominent during her tenure both on and off the court.  Simply put, La Verne has always been a part of her life.  

A third-generation La Verne student, Crista recently capped an illustrious career with the Leopards. She was named 2009 SCIAC Player of the Year and earned AVCA First Team All-America honors for the second consecutive year.  She is the fourth Leopard volleyball player in the program's storied history to be named First Team All-America in multiple seasons.

Both her father Tom ('81) and mother Chris ('83) met while they were students at La Verne. Chris starred on the Leopard volleyball squad under legendary coach Jim Paschal, carving out a stellar athletic career leading to her induction into the La Verne Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.  Tom played four years of volleyball and two seasons of basketball during his undergraduate days. 

Her two grandparents on her father's side also attended La Verne, and both of her sisters, Adele ('05) and Jenny ('08), both have undergraduates degrees from La Verne.  Adele, the eldest of the three Jones daughters, was a four-year starter on the volleyball squad and a member of the Leopards' NCAA Championship team in 2001.  "I was in junior high when I first watched Adele play here," Crista recalls.  "I knew though that I wanted to play collegiate volleyball someday.  It was always a dream of mine even since elementary school, and going to La Verne became a possibility for me."

During a given La Verne volleyball match, it was a common occurrence to see several members of the Jones clan in attendance.  "I have tons of support from my family," Crista says.  "It is a great feeling knowing that they are in the stands watching and enjoying the match as much as I am." 

Growing up in Fresno, Crista starred at Sunnyside High School and was recruited by nearby Fresno State.  However, the pull and attraction of La Verne would prove too great to overcome.  "I was thinking it would be really cool to go to a Division I school, however I just felt La Verne was overall the better fit for me," she said.    Undoubtedly family would also factor into her decision.   "Though I never felt obligated to fill a family tradition, family is a huge part in my life.   Knowing that they would be near in this next step in my life was why I chose to go to La Verne."

Thus began one of the greatest careers in Leopard volleyball history.

As a middle blocker, Crista made an immediate splash as a freshman, helping the Leopards win a conference title en route to earning AVCA West Region and First Team All-SCIAC accolades in 2006.  After receiving All-SCIAC honors as a sophomore, she elevated her game to greater heights as a junior in 2008.  That season she helped lead La Verne to an undefeated season in conference play as the Leos captured their ninth consecutive league crown. 

She sparkled during the 2008 NCAA Tournament, helping guide the Leopards to an appearance in the national title match.  Her signature performance that season came in the national semifinal against top-ranked Juniata, where she posted a team-high 18 kills along with 3 blocks and 4 service aces in La Verne's 3-2 victory over the Eagles.   She was named AVCA First Team All-America while also earning AVCA All-West Region and First Team All-SCIAC honors.

In her senior season she moved from her middle blocker position to outside hitter, excelling in her new role despite being the primary target of Leopard opponents.  "Out of necessity we  requested that Crista learn a completely new position with completely new skill requirements," said first-year Marlon Sano.  "To her credit not only did she give up her former position, but she did so without complaint.  She competed at the highest of levels.  Virtually every opponent that we faced tried to break her down physically and mentally, but Crista responded with phenomenal statistical numbers."

She led the team in kills and hitting percentage in 2009 while posting double-figure kills on 20 occasions.  Additionally she recorded 20+ kills in 9 matches.  She excelled during the postseason, collecting a total of 123 kills in her five playoff matches, an average of 24.6 kills per match.  She concluded her career with over 1,400 kills, the most for any Leopard player since the 2001 season.

Aside from the numerous awards and accolades, she most enjoyed the journey with her teammates along with reaching team goals.   "Really all I wanted was to be a part of a collegiate team, work hard and hope that dedication and commitment would pay off, and it did," she says.  "I've had some great memories." 

All the while, her family has been there nearly ever step of the way.  "I've valued my time as a La Verne volleyball player and have treasured the experience of being a La Verne student-athlete," she says.   "The fact that my parents and sisters have shared in my experiences has made it even more special."