Rashunda Jones: Making an Impact On and Off the Court

Michigan State junior starting guard Rashunda Jones wants to be an impact player every time she steps on the court. She is averaging 12.0 points and 2.1 steals per game, and is a key part of MSU's ranking and record-breaking success this season.

But Jones wants to be known for more than her legacy on the court. She sees basketball as a platform for her to help her hometown of South Bend, Indiana. She holds the city to close her heart.

Jones, who transferred from Purdue in April 2025, sees the opportunities on and off the court building because she is a Spartan.

"I think coming to MSU has allowed me to play more freely. When I was at Purdue, I was sort of trapped in a position where I was just a facilitator and had to play a certain way. I think here I'm able to play my game," Jones said.

Jones wants to start an outreach center in South Bend, aimed at giving youth in her community pathways to build successful futures. Her success on the court has given her the opportunity to be able to help her community out through NIL money and being able to travel and see other communities. The program will focus on life-skills, such as cooking classes, how to do taxes, and basketball practices.

Jones plans on starting the outreach program after she graduates from Michigan State with a sports marketing degree. Fans have seen Jones' on-court leadership, with her defensive consistency earning her a spot on Naismith Defensive Player of the Year watch list.

She wants to have the same impact off the court.

"The goal is to create an outreach program that shows you're not alone, and help with discipline," Jones said. "What inspired me to do it was the people in my city, mostly younger adults, often four times a night end up dead or in jail. Some of the kids can't even read or write. They use AI for everything."

A big inspiration for Jones seeing what her mom went through, as a young, single parent. She wants to create stronger opportunities to support teens who are seeking support.

"You don't have to go down these paths to have so much struggle. Like a young girl being a single mom with no dad, having to raise a child by herself, because that's hard," Jones said.

Starting an outreach program does not come without pressure, the same way playing basketball doesn't, but Jones embraces the opportunity to give back.

"Honestly, I don't feel any pressure here, I feel free in all aspects. I feel like everyone on the team trusts me and I am very reliable and patient. I try to be there for everyone. I can be anything someone needs me to be in that moment," Jones said.

Jones notes her parents as a huge inspiration for the player she is today, but also her high school Coach Steven Reynolds from South Bend Washington High School.

"He was inspiring in every way. He pushed me to be a better person spiritually, mentally, physically. He makes me want to go all out and give back to my family," Jones said.

Michigan State Head Coach Robyn Fralick sees the compassion and leadership in Jones on the court and in the locker room.

"I think Rashunda is a natural leader. A big part of that is she is vocal, she is smart, and her spirit is so alive. She is someone who wants the best for the group, she knows what's going on, and she's willing to communicate in a way that helps people," Fralick said.

Michigan State University Athletics

Related News

Players Mentioned

Rashunda Jones

Related Videos