Eye of the Storm : Gabrielle Jones ’27

9/29/2026 11:58:00 AM

Through three coaching changes in three years, Gabrielle Jones has learned the importance of being someone her teammates can depend on.

The junior from Dayton, Ohio, has developed into a steady presence for the Lake Erie College volleyball program. Whether she is entering the match during a crucial moment, helping a teammate adjust, or bringing energy from the sideline, Jones embraces every opportunity to positively affect the Storm.

"For me, it's been about becoming a constant for the team," Jones said. "Having so many coaches in such a short amount of time has taught me how to be reliable and consistent as a person and as a player."

Jones was initially drawn to Lake Erie for its welcoming atmosphere and location. The college allowed her to gain independence while staying close enough to visit her family in Dayton. Once she arrived, the relationships she formed confirmed that she had made the right decision.

Academically, Jones appreciated Lake Erie's small class sizes and the opportunity to build genuine relationships with her professors. Athletically, she found teammates who continued to support one another through both good and difficult moments.

"Even if it's a bad game or a bad practice, these are great people to be around," Jones said. "We keep saying it has been almost the same team for three years, and they're just a great group of people."

That familiarity has become one of the Storm's greatest strengths. With the entire team returning from last season, the players entered the year with established trust and chemistry.

Jones believes the connection within the program separates Lake Erie from other teams across the G-MAC and college volleyball. Because the players know one another so well, they are more comfortable having difficult conversations, holding each other accountable, and providing support when it is needed.

"There is not a team in the G-MAC—and I'm willing to say in most of college volleyball—that has the chemistry our team does," Jones said. "Everybody knows everybody, and everyone has been playing together for at least two years. That connection is amazing."

The program has also welcomed a new head coach and introduced new positions, defensive systems, and expectations. Although those changes have challenged the players, Jones said the transition has been relatively seamless and has strengthened the relationships within the team.

The Storm have adopted the phrase "Truth is Love," emphasizing that honest communication is necessary for the team to improve. Gabrielle Jones

Instead of avoiding difficult conversations, the players are learning to address issues in the moment because accountability reflects how much they care about one another.

Another message guiding the team is "1-0." In a sport decided one rally and one set at a time, the phrase reminds the team to remain present and continue pushing after every point.

"One point doesn't win the game," Jones said. "You have to keep pushing. Hearing '1-0' puts it into perspective. You have one, and now you need another one."

That approach has contributed to a noticeable shift in the team's mentality. Before matches, the players talk about having a "dog mentality" and "unleashing the beast." While Jones admits the phrases can sound funny, they have given the team a shared language and helped establish clear expectations on the court.

The Storm's improved mentality has been reflected in its results. Lake Erie has already defeated teams it couldn't beat last season, building confidence throughout the program. Opposing coaches have also recognized how much the team has improved.

Still, Jones believes others continue to view Lake Erie as an underdog—and the Storm are using that perception as motivation.
Gabrielle Jones

"You can underestimate us, but when it's time to play, we are here, and we are making a difference," Jones said. "This is not the same Lake Erie team. For a lot of us, it's about starting the legacy now, so when we come back in 10 years, we can say it started with our class."

The team's success has also strengthened its relationships away from competition. Winning has encouraged the players to hold themselves and one another to a higher standard while bringing them closer together off the court.

Jones contributes to that culture through her energy and versatility. After transitioning from right-side hitter to outside hitter this season, she has accepted the challenge of learning a position she had never previously played. The change has allowed Jones to become more versatile and take on greater responsibility. Outside hitters are frequently expected to handle both ideal sets and difficult balls, making dependability essential.

"I like being someone who needs to be depended on," Jones said.

Although Jones has not always been a starter, she has earned a reputation as a player who can enter during demanding moments and change the energy of a match. She has learned to value that role and understand its importance to the team's success.

"On the court, whether it's coming in during crucial moments on the right side or the outside, I bring a lot of energy," Jones said. "Off the court, I am a steady, constant point of energy for the team."

Her experience at multiple positions also helps her recognize open shots and make adjustments. More importantly, she wants her teammates to know that she will remain dependable regardless of her role. Jones' greatest growth, however, has occurred within her mentality. She no longer views every obstacle as a setback. Instead, she tries to see challenges as opportunities for growth and understand what each situation can teach her.

That perspective extends into the classroom. Jones identified criminal justice professor and advisor Dr. Brian Kinnard, Professor of Criminal Justice and Program Director of Criminal Justice/Sociology, as one of the most influential people during her time at Lake Erie. While Kinnard maintains strict expectations in the classroom, Jones said his standards reflect how deeply he cares about his students.

He also supports Jones beyond academics by attending her matches, asking about injuries, and checking on her during periods of change within the volleyball program.

"He cares so much about every single one of his students," Jones said. "He is the first one who is going to be at my game cheering me on, and he is the first one to ask how I'm doing. He has definitely made a lasting impact."

As the season continues, Jones and the Storm are working toward earning a place in the conference tournament. Individually, she wants to remain consistent and prevent outside circumstances or emotions from changing who she is or how she performs.
Gabrielle Jones

Behind Jones throughout her Lake Erie career has also been a support system that extends far beyond the volleyball program. Her mom, dad, and sister have made an effort to attend as many of her matches as possible, regardless of whether she is playing, whether the match is at home or on the road, or even if it requires traveling out of state for a tournament. For Jones, their constant presence over the past three years has meant more than they may realize.

"My mom, dad, and sister have been my biggest support system," Jones said. "They have supported me every step of the way. They give me so much love and support without ever expecting anything in return, and I truly couldn't ask for a better support system."

Jones does not take their willingness to keep showing up through coaching changes, challenging matches, changing roles, and every other part of her college experience for granted.

"I'm beyond grateful for everything they do for me," Jones said. "I can't thank them enough for always being there."

When her Lake Erie career eventually ends, Jones hopes her impact will be measured by more than statistics, awards, or victories.

"I hope they remember me for who I am as a person and how kind and caring I try to be," Jones said. "I hope they remember the atmosphere I created for the team and the people around me."

Print Friendly Version

#Eye of the Storm

Related Videos

Related Stories