Terp Q&A: Rainelle Jones

What was your favorite Maryland memory as a fan growing up? 
I enjoyed being able to meet Maryland sports legends with my dad (Speedy Jones—Maryland men’s basketball player, 1984–87) and the cool experiences I gained from tagging alongside a great basketball alum. Being able to get behind the scenes before committing to Maryland for volleyball made me admire the culture in the athletics world in College Park.

As a Maryland native, what does it mean to you to be able to put on a Maryland jersey and represent your home state? 
It gives me the opportunity to show that Maryland-made athletes are able to play at the highest level of collegiate sports and beyond. Knowing that many other successful athletes have come from Maryland pushes me to work harder and represents how authentic the area is.

How did both of your parents’ background in athletics prepare you for college volleyball? 
My parents prepared me for college volleyball through stories from their experiences with my dad playing basketball at Maryland and my mom playing basketball for the Canadian National Team. They helped me develop some of the same tactics starting at a young age to improve my college experience. Learning about their path and with their support, helped guide me throughout my own path to success.

Has your dad ever told you any good stories from his playing days at Maryland?
Being able to hear the first-hand experiences of a basketball team filled with stars, such as Len Bias, and their journey is really special. Similar to me, my dad had his favorite song (It Don’t Mean A Thing by Chuck Brown) play when the team entered the gym for games.

Who wins in a game of 1-on-1 basketball between you and your dad? 
My dad for sure, but best believe I’m going to make him work for that win. The basketball blood still runs through my veins!

How has your dad been a role model to you throughout your volleyball career? 
My dad has always been my role model for me, teaching me that making sacrifices - having a routine, eating right, and taking care of your body on a daily basis - will determine my athletic experience. The lectures and stories he’s told me since I was young about his life experiences gave me a vision of what I wanted for my future based on his path in his athletic career.

Do you have a special bond with other Maryland/DMV players on the team? 
I have a special bond with fellow DMV natives Nicole Alford (Annapolis, Md.) and Erika Pritchard (Middletown, Md.) because of their true authentic selves on and off the court. Nicole is one of the most supportive and hard-working girls on the team in every practice and game. Erika and I push each other to give our 100% all the time and we share a humble connection to keep each other going and do our best to contribute to the team, repping the DMV.

As a Black player in a sport that’s not very diverse, how have you made it a priority to help educate your teammates and spread awareness of racial inequality? 
I have been open to having those uncomfortable conversations and helping others gain knowledge about the Black community as much as I can. I do encourage my teammates and others to educate themselves if they have the desire to understand another point of view as I am also gaining my own voice and opinion on the racial inequality in America.

What does Black Lives Matter mean to you? 
To me, the Black Lives Matter movement is the Anti-racist’s racial project to change the structures of domination based on racial significance and identities. Black Lives Matter is the opportunity to bring attention to the systematic racism and racial discrimination towards Black people. This creates the chance to gain perspective and study activism and social movements of people of color to increase diversity and understanding.

Did you know? 

Rainelle Jones isn’t the only Maryland volleyball player with direct ties to the Maryland men’s basketball program. Sophomore Cara Lewis is the daughter of Cedric Lewis (1987-91), who holds the program’s single-season blocks record of 143 set in 1990–91.