Jami Jones’s journey in tennis has always been marked by drive and achievement. As an All-American tennis player at the University of Miami, she battled her way to the NCAA doubles finals against UCLA, and her coaching resume is just as impressive – she sharpened her skills as an assistant at Arizona State University and then led Long Beach State as head coach. Now, after steering the San Diego City College women’s tennis team to back-to-back Pacific Coast Athletic Conference titles, Jones has been named 2025 Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association/California Community College Athletic Association.

“This is all about our program,” Jones said, “and having the support of the entire campus community is vital to building a solid program, and we’ve had that support.”

The path to the top hasn’t always been smooth. The year prior to Jones arrival, City failed to win a single match.  Her first year at the helm after being hired in the fall of 2012 brought a similar result. Yet, year by year, she and her players chipped away at the gap. “I think it’s just a culmination of getting a little better every year,” said Jones. “We finally got over the hump.”

But winning isn’t the only thing. “We emphasize the academic part of our mission,” said Jones. “Our main goal is for them to earn their degree and go on to a university.” She says the lessons learned on the court – resilience, character, grit – are as essential as any trophy.

Watching her players grow, both as athletes and as individuals, brings Jones the greatest reward. “Seeing them improve every day, not just as tennis players, but seeing them growing up as individuals, is very rewarding,” Jones said with pride

Recruiting the right talent is just as critical. Jones scours local high school competitions, consults with coaches throughout the region, and trusts her instincts to find players who fit her vision. The result: City’s women tennis players hail from as far north as Fallbrook and as far south as Tijuana. A number of players take buses and trolleys to get to campus. “They’re dedicated; they want to be here,” Jones said.

Her own journey began in Bonita, where coaches took notice of when she began taking lessons at a local club with a neighbor. Private lessons ensued and her play caught the attention of college recruiters. After earning a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Miami, Jones turned to coaching but took a career break to become a full-time parent for her three boys, the youngest of whom, now 20, plays tennis at UC Santa Cruz. When former coach and three-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist Gretchen (Rush) Magers left City, Jones got the job.

“I get so much out of seeing these girls succeed,” said Jones, who earned a master’s degree in sports administration from Arkansas State University in 2021. “I had so many great opportunities and I got so much out of playing, and now I want to pass all that on.

“I really enjoy coaching at City,” she continued. “I’m proud of the program that we’ve all built.”