CHICAGO (August 11, 2021) – Loyola University Chicago Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Gavin Kennedy announced the addition of D'nara Jones to his coaching staff on Wednesday.  Jones, who will work primarily with the Ramblers' sprinters and jumpers, joins the Maroon & Gold following a two-year stay at Saint Louis University, where she served as a graduate assistant coach.
 
"D'nara comes to Rogers Park with a great background in competing at the highest level during her time in the Southeastern Conference," Kennedy said.  "That has extended into her coaching career, which is evident by the impact she had on her student-athletes at Saint Louis University.  I could not be more excited to welcome her to Chicago and the Loyola Track & Field and Cross Country program."
 
During her time at Saint Louis, Jones' student-athletes set 16 new school records and recorded an impressive 30 personal best marks.  She guided a trio of Billikens to All-Atlantic 10 Conference accolades, highlighted by Myles Gascon, who earned a runner-up finish in the 100m dash at this past spring's Atlantic 10 Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
 
Apart from her coaching experience, Jones, a native of Tacoma, Wash., brings an accomplished pedigree during her time as a student-athlete with her to Loyola.  Following an impressive run at Portland State University, where she still ranks in the top 10 on the program's indoor and outdoor record boards in the triple jump, Jones made her way to the University of Alabama, featuring prominently for the Southeastern Conference's (SEC) Crimson Tide.
 
Prior to entering the coaching ranks, Jones worked as a social worker and child protective services investigator in both Texas and Arizona.
 
Jones received her bachelor's degree in Human Environmental Sciences from Alabama before earning a master's degree in Leadership & Organizational Development while at Saint Louis.