This week, we’re proud to highlight Ashaunti Jones, a former Track & Field standout whose journey after sports is just as inspiring as her time on the track.

Former teammates have had the privilege of watching her growth up close, and life after sports didn’t slow Ashaunti down, it simply redirected her. The end of her collegiate athletic career wasn’t a moment of loss, but a transition into a new chapter she stepped into confidently.

Ashaunti graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2024 and is currently on track to earn her Master’s in December 2025. As she crossed the finish line of her collegiate athletic career, she stepped into a new season of life; one she approached with clarity, confidence, and support. After crossing the graduation stage, she wasn’t just celebrating the end of one journey but the beginning of another. Right after walking the stage, she got engaged, something that made the transition even more meaningful.

Reflecting on her shift from athlete to alumna, Ashaunti describes the transition as “fairly smooth.” Those who trained beside her for years said it was easy to see why. She had already prepared herself mentally for life beyond the track.

“I got engaged after graduation, and my fiancé and I had already talked about our plans for life after sports, which made the change easier.”

Planning ahead and having a strong support system helped her navigate what can often be a challenging period for many former athletes.

While her competitive days are behind her, Ashaunti continues to stay deeply involved in athletics, something that keeps her grounded in the athlete mindset she developed over the years. Sports still hold a special place in her heart, and she didn’t want that relationship to fade after graduation.

“I stay connected by staying involved in sports. I currently coach basketball and will soon be coaching track and field once the season starts.”

She now coaches high school basketball and plans to return to her roots by coaching track and field when the season begins. For her, coaching isn’t just about the sport itself; it’s about staying in the environment that shaped her identity, discipline, and passion. Coaching allows her to pour her knowledge and heart into the next generation while staying close to the sport that helped build her.

Years of balancing academics and athletics prepared Ashaunti for the demands of life beyond college. Her teammates saw firsthand how disciplined and focused she was, qualities that continue to guide her now.

“Being a student-athlete prepared me for life by teaching me discipline, time management, and perseverance, skills that I use every day.”

These lessons show up daily as she works toward completing her master’s degree and continues growing personally and professionally. Her path is proof that the impact of collegiate athletics extends far beyond competition.

To those currently in the thick of balancing school and sport, Ashaunti offers heartfelt encouragement:

“Remember that the love for your sport never has to end. Even if you’re not competing anymore, you can still stay involved; whether it’s through coaching, mentoring, or supporting others.”

Her message echoes what she lives every day. For Ashaunti, life after sports isn’t about letting go, it’s about carrying forward the values, discipline, and passion the sport gave her, and finding new purpose in the next season of her life.