In The Nest: Makenna Jones
Medical Mutual
10/9/2024
Makenna Jones has made an impact on the BGSU program since the day she arrived in Northwest Ohio. The Lewisburg, Ohio native transferred to BGSU as a graduate student after competing with the Cincinnati Bearcats for three seasons. Since, transferring to the Orange and Brown, Jones has appeared in 12 tournaments with Bowling Green and is one of two seniors/grads on the 2024-25 roster.
Q: When did you start playing golf, and what is your earliest golf-related memory?
Jones: I started played golf when I was 3. I had a snoopy set of clubs. My first years of golf were at the First Tee program in Richmond Indiana sponsored by PGA pro Bo VanPelt. Working with Bo who’s a family friend was important to helping me learn the core values to golf and life.
Q: When and how did you first become aware of BGSU women's golf?
Jones: I entered the portal as a graduate student after graduating from the University of Cincinnati and I knew that BGSU had a great business school and golf program. Additionally I wanted to stay in my home state and find a place that felt like home. I knew former falcon players and I reached out to them and they had nothing but amazing things to say about the program.
Q: During your time at Cincinnati you served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), can you talk about what that meant?
Jones: I loved being a SAAC representative at UC because I got to be a direct liaison between student athletes and the athletic department. I enjoyed doing tasks in the community and making sure the women’s golf team was well represented.
Q: During your high school career you played at renowned courses such as Pinehurst and PGA National and qualified and played in the Optimist International Junior Golf Championship three times, can you talk about those experiences?
Jones:It was incredible being able to play world famous courses as a junior. Playing Pinehurst #2 was an honor. I played the Optimist International at PGA National and Trump National and both courses were spectacular. It was such an amazing experience to meet kids from numerous different countries who are now also playing college golf and I get to see from time to time. I was blessed to be able to test my abilities on world renowned courses.
Q: Being that you are from Ohio and grew up 2 hours away from BG, what does it mean to be a Falcon now?
Jones: Growing up in Ohio, I knew BGSU was a great university. My high school colors were orange and brown so coming to BGSU felt full circle. To me, being a Falcon means being part of a vibrant and supportive community that values academic excellence, personal growth, and a commitment to community service. After transferring from UC, it was nice to come into a smaller community that throughly supports the university and the student athletes.
Q: You decided to use your extra two years of eligibility to pursue an MBA while playing. What made you decide to study that degree and pursue an MBA?
Jones: I graduated with a bachelor of science in business administration. I completed that degree in 3 years. I knew that I wanted to continue on and get my masters of business administration with an added specialization in organizational communication because it would only further open doors for me in the future.
Q: Who is your biggest role model and why?
Jones: Dolly Parton. She came from nothing and worked hard to create an empire. She is an amazing business women who gives back to people in need and numerous charitable organizations.
Q: Being that it is your last season of collegiate golf, do you have any specific goals both personally or team?
Jones: I just want to take in every moment and enjoy them because I know that I will miss these days more than anything. As for goals, I want to be a supportive teammate, contribute my very best and leave an impact on the program. I also would love for our team to win our home event in April.
Q: What is one piece of advice that you would give for someone who wants to play college golf?
Jones: Your self worth is so much more than a score. Being a college athlete is a privilege but it’s also very demanding. The most important thing is learning the student-athlete balance.
Q: What is your go to pre-tournament meal?
Jones: Fettuccine Alfredo
Q: Being that you are one of two seniors on the team, how have you had to grow into more of a leader centric position this season?
Jones: Being one of the seniors, it’s important that I set good examples, show good work ethic, and show that academics are important. You are a student before you are an athlete. I like to offer support and advice to underclassman. I hope to leave a lasting impact that inspires others.
Q: Since you are starting your second season as a Falcon, could you describe how it has been playing under Coach Erin Fahey?
Jones: I appreciate that Coach Fahey took a chance on a transfer graduate student. I was the first transfer student in the program. Coach Fahey is a strong leader for our team. She expects our best but gives us the support and tools we need to achieve our best. Coach realizes we are students and gives us grace when it comes to academic demands. It has been an amazing experience playing for Coach.
