Corona del Mar student set to row for UC Davis

As a freshman at Corona del Mar High, Alyssa Jones was determined to play a Division I sport in college, whether it be swimming, water polo or rowing. Three years later, rowing it is.

The senior has orally committed to UC Davis, where she will continue her young rowing career under Coach Emily Plesser.

“Rowing is a great opportunity for women athletes,” said her father, Glenn Jones. “And during her unofficial visit, she hit it off real well.”

Alyssa Jones began prepping herself two years ago at the Newport Aquatic Center, where she bounced between the novice, junior varsity and varsity teams. She had stints in water polo and swimming, but decided rowing was her best chance for a Division I future.

“I don’t think I’ve ever not been in a sport,” said the 17-year-old, who also tried soccer and dancing. “I wanted to play sports in college, and I’m glad I chose [rowing]. Plus, my grades are a lot better now that I don’t have to wake up at 5 in the morning.”

Jones trains five days a week at the Newport Aquatic Center. For extra practice, she also visits the Iron Oarsman in Costa Mesa a couple days a week and practices on indoor rowing equipment alongside Xeno Muller, a 1996 Olympic gold medalist and 2000 silver medalist.

“Alyssa is a real hard working kid,” said Newport Aquatic Center rowing Coach Christy Shaver. “She’s a solid rower and she’s made huge improvements every year. She seems to have a solid grasp on it. If she keeps up that way, she’s going to be one of those top kids.”

Jones also looked at the University of Washington, Loyola Marymount and the University of Texas, but it was the Aggies who offered her a partial scholarship.

Jones’ coach said UC Davis seems to be a perfect matchup for her.

“I knew she’d be a good fit there,” said Shaver, who referred her to the program. “I think she’s going to be a strong force out there.”

Jones, who will begin rowing with the Aggies novice team next fall, said she was surprised she was offered a scholarship, especially after only two years of rowing, but she’s glad they did.

“I think I kind of expected that I would [get a scholarship to UC Davis], but I’m still really surprised.”

But why the academic-centered campus?

“I’m excited about the entire package,” she said. “I’ve visited the school twice and everyone is very into school. There’s still some social life, but everyone is focused on their education. I like that environment.”