Chico State Athletics

Normally, this time of the year sees the Chico State women's basketball team tackling a month of grueling and intense practices to prepare for the upcoming season of college hoops. But with the COVID-19 pandemic changing just about every facet of life, the Wildcats—like all their fellow Chico State student-athletes—have been forced to sit and wait until health and environmental conditions return to some sort of normalcy. Junior guard Bailey Jones knows the future is uncertain, but her never-ending optimism that things will work out not only keeps her spirits up, but provides her teammates with positive thoughts as well. Her efforts to keep her team emotionally on an even keel make Bailey Jones the latest Wildcat of the Week.
 
"Being an upper classman, I do feel a responsibility to try and keep everyone's hopes up," Jones said recently. "But (my teammates) all feel that this is a time to step up and be responsible, and hold ourselves accountable."
 
Jones, who rooms with teammates Myli Martinez, Haley Ison, and new Wildcat Jazmyne Lillie, is in regular contact with the team's other players…even though it's not quite the same.
 
"Last season we really developed a sisterhood, so this year it is difficult not to see everybody in person," Jones said. "We talk every week, and meet on Zoom every couple of weeks. I think the team is doing a good job of staying connected and sharing some quality time."
 
Thanks to finishing her studies online last spring, Jones has had little trouble this fall adjusting to her virtual classes. She has also been taking advantage of the unexpected down time while awaiting word of when the 'Cats can return to the hardwood.
 
"I'm getting to experience Chico more than in past years," Jones said. "My roommates and I have gone walking and on hikes, exploring downtown, and trying to get outside as much as we can."
 
A psychology major, Jones makes ample time to keep up with her studies. She also works out regularly while still finding time to indulge in watching some of her favorite movies.
 
One upcoming event that Jones is particularly excited about is voting in her first presidential election.
 
"Yes, I am registered to vote through the mail," Jones said. "I think it's really important. This is the tip of the iceberg for us. If you have an opinion, you should put your opinion in place. Vote and have your voice heard."
 
While making the best of an unfortunate situation, Jones isn't shy about some of the things she's had to do without over the past several months.
 
"I miss getting into the gym and playing basketball," Jones said. "Not getting to communicate face-to-face with our coaches, or taking part in community activities (the women's basketball team has in recent years taken part in the Boys and Girls Club spaghetti feed and the local Alzheimer's Walk) is definitely disappointing."
 
Despite the uncertainty of a 2020–21 season, Jones has no trouble maintaining her positive attitude that the Wildcats will eventually find themselves back on the court.
 
"I am definitely optimistic," Jones said. "I'm hoping for, at the very least, we'll be able to get together and practice before the school year ends. But we have to be safe. We have to do that for the rest of the Wildcat Family. We can't just think of ourselves."
 
Asked if she had any words of wisdom for her fellow Chico State student-athletes, Jones answered in an unsurprisingly upbeat manner.
 
"Stay safe, wash your hands, and vote!" Jones said. "Stay positive and communicate with your friends and family, and get outside and get some fresh air when you can.  
 
"Everything will all work out the way we want it to."

Do you know a Wildcat who deserves to be considered for a Wildcat of the Week honor? We're looking for current student-athletes who are making you proud athletically, academically, and/or in the community. If you have an idea, please take a moment to let us know by completing this five-question survey.