Jones commits to Washington State
It didn’t take long for Malarie Jones to realize Washington State University was in her comfort zone.
The 17-year-old, Grade 12 student E.L. Crossley took a trip to the Division 1 school last fall and came away with a glowing endorsement.
“When visiting in September the first thing I noticed was the close family aspect of the team,” Jones said. “It was such an upbeat, encouraging and supportive environment that I knew would continue to push me to be the best I can be. I could really see myself there and can’t wait to become part of their program.”
Jones recently committed to the school for the fall of 2023 on a rowing scholarship.
“One good thing was I fell in love with the school, the staff all the girls on the team,” Jones added. “I feel it was the right decision and that I fit in there and just keep on improving and continue to love the sport.”
Jones, who will major in environmental sciences, has a long and impressive rowing resume including: double gold medalist at Canadian Secondary School Rowing Association championships in 2022; member of the junior national team in 2022 in the junior women’s four; gold medalist at Canada Summer Games in women’s eight and silver in women’s four; gold medalist at Canadian Henley in 2022 in the women’s champ eight; bronze medalist in the youth 2x at the Head of the Charles in 2022; gold medalist in youth double and quad at the Head of the Schulykill 2022; and, Ontario champion at the 2022 Ontario Indoor Rowing Championships.
“I’d say I love the team aspect,” Jones said when asked about her success. “You have to be very dedicated to the sport and it’s nice to see the results come from the training and being able to experience it as a team is a nice feeling.”
Jones’ foray into rowing began the summer before Grade 9 when she attended a learn to row camp at South Niagara and then joined the Crossley program that fall.
She immediate connected with Crossley rowing coach John Ruscitti.
“I want to give a big shout out to John because he’s been such a big part since the beginning,” Jones said. “Always encouraging and always supportive and a fun coach and you need that as well.”
Ruscitti had high praise for Jones.
“Hard working, dedicated team leader who is expectably coachable and an excellent student,” he said.
Jones is eager to get her collegiate rowing career underway.
“It’s nice to have a plan set for the next four years,” she said.
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