ORDER GAME PHOTOS

Name: Tylie Jones
School: Rigby
Grade: Senior
Sport: Basketball
Position: Guard
  
How did you first get interested in basketball?
I’ve had a love for basketball my entire life. I grew up going to my dad’s practices and games.  He played and coached basketball professionally in Europe. I loved the time that he spent with me shooting and playing in the gym.  My mom and I used to travel with him and his team all over Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Germany cheering him on. I think my love for the game grew as I watched my dad play. I loved the atmosphere of the gym and was really drawn to the energy and action of the game. 
 
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from high school sports?
I feel like one of the most important lessons I’ve learned from the years that I’ve been playing has been to always be an example of greatness.  I remember watching the high school girls play when I was younger and thinking how amazing they were and that I wanted to be like them when I grew up.  Now, that example of greatness means so much more.  Greatness means to have integrity, mental toughness, giving 100% all of the time – I hope to inspire others to reach their greatness. 
 
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
My dad reminds me to be present in the moment, so I would say to have fun and enjoy every opportunity I’ve been given.  
 
What coaches or teachers have made the biggest impact on your athletic career?
Coach Kurtis Boyce was my coach from third grade through seventh grade. I felt like he could always see the potential I had to play and pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. He had me play on a boys team during those years, it really raised my skill level and confidence playing against tough opponents.  He helped me develop dribbling and guard skills and never limited me because of my height or my gender.  

Coach Troy Shippen has taught me to respect everyone and fear no one. This ultimately led me to have confidence in myself and my abilities. I have really loved playing for Coach Shippen since my freshman year.  One of his great characteristics is passion and dedication for the game, and although he loves the game, he cares about each of the players on and off the court. Another great quality of Coach Shippen is his open communication style and his willingness to try new things.  

What has been your favorite high school memory so far?
My favorite high school basketball memory came after a loss my sophomore year.  We had just lost the night before and we walked into practice expecting it to be a long and hard practice.  Coach told us to get on the baseline, and just when we thought he was going to have us run, Coach Shippen said get your shoes and coats on, we’re headed to Jamba. I learned from this experience that sometimes life isn’t going to go your way, but you have to think and talk and focus on the positive things. 

Is there anyone in your family who have helped you get to where you are today?
My parents and surrounding family members have been super supportive of me throughout the years. They have driven me to early morning practices, stayed up late talking about how my day, practice or games went and taken me to countless tournaments. Even through Covid, they’ve been able to support through live streams.  

What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I was born in Dornbirn, Austria and lived there for the first 4 years of my life where dad was a professional basketball player and my mom played volleyball. 

What are you most looking forward to this season?
I am honestly just excited to get to play this season! With things as uncertain as they have been, I didn’t know if I would even get to play my senior year, so I am very grateful to be able to play.