Lisa Jones is a retired women’s college basketball referee who officiated in the NCAA Division I for 20 years. She also officiated in the WNBA for five years. Jones is a graduate of Alabama A&M University, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Procurement, and an MBA degree. She also studied marketing management at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. In this article, we will explore her career, achievements, and challenges as a referee, college graduate, and trailblazer.

Referee Career

Jones started her refereeing career in 1998, after playing basketball at Alabama A&M and working as a firefighter and paramedic. She quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the most respected and experienced officials in women’s college basketball. She officiated in nine Final Fours, including the 2023 championship game between LSU and Iowa, which marked the first time that an all-female lineup of referees worked the national semifinals and final in the NCAA. She also officiated in the WNBA from 2003 to 2007, and in the NBA Development League from 2004 to 2006.

Jones was known for her professionalism, consistency, and calmness on the court. She said that her life skills as a first-responder helped her handle high-stress situations and make quick decisions. She also said that officiating helped her become a better leader, communicator, and problem-solver. She was praised by coaches, players, and fans for her fairness, integrity, and passion for the game.

College Education

Jones was not only a successful referee, but also a dedicated student. She graduated from Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Procurement in 1995, and an MBA degree in 1997. She also attended the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth in 2006, where she completed a program in marketing management. She said that her education helped her advance her career and broaden her horizons. She also said that she wanted to inspire other young women, especially those of color, to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.

Jones was a proud alumna of Alabama A&M, a historically black university that was founded in 1875. She said that her alma mater gave her the opportunity to grow, learn, and excel. She also said that she felt a strong connection with the school’s history, mission, and values. She was a generous donor and supporter of the university, and was inducted into its Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

Trailblazer

Jones was not only a referee and a college graduate, but also a trailblazer. She was one of the few African American women who officiated in women’s college basketball, and the first to officiate in the WNBA and the NBA Development League. She also made history as part of the all-female crew that worked the 2023 NCAA Women’s Final Four, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education and sports. She said that she was honored and humbled to be part of such a historic moment, and that she hoped to inspire other women to pursue their dreams and break barriers.

Jones was also a mentor and a role model for many aspiring referees, especially those from underrepresented groups. She was involved in several initiatives and programs that aimed to recruit, train, and retain more women and minorities in officiating. She also shared her knowledge, experience, and advice with others through workshops, seminars, and articles. She said that she wanted to give back to the community and the profession that gave her so much.

Conclusion

Lisa Jones is a remarkable woman who has achieved a lot in her life. She was a referee, a college graduate, and a trailblazer. She officiated in the highest levels of women’s college basketball, earned two degrees from prestigious institutions, and made history as part of the first all-female crew in the NCAA Women’s Final Four. She also mentored and inspired many others to follow in her footsteps. She is a true example of excellence, leadership, and courage. She is Lisa Jones: referee, college graduate, and trailblazer.

ncG1vNJzZmibkaeypr7GnpirZpiau7CyjZympmeemsS0e9KtpquxX6G2tK2Mo6annaNiv6ayxKucnmWTpLmtscaeZKCqkZnCosDEZpinnF2pv6K1y5ujmrKVp3w%3D