The University of Mississippi Athletics
BHM Q&A: Nyomi Jones
2/9/2021 | Softball, Social Responsibility & Engagement
In honor of Black History Month, Ole Miss Athletics will highlight several current and former Black student-athletes and administrators throughout the month of February. Honored today is Ole Miss softball sophomore outfielder, Nyomi Jones.
Nyomi Jones • Sophomore • Softball • Long Beach, Calif.
Q: What is your inspiration?
"My inspiration behind competing in softball is honestly all the women I saw competing in the sport when I was younger. Natasha Watley was a big inspiration for me, especially being a lefty from California. She is one of the first black women I saw playing softball, and she inspired me to follow my dreams."
Q: What do you think is the most important thing young athletes should know about competing and being a student-athlete?
"I think that young student-athletes should know that you have to get yourself on a schedule. You can't slack off on your work because of your sport, and you can't slack of on your sport because of your work. You really have to map out a schedule and manage your time, because it only gets harder in college."
Q: What do you see as the most rewarding aspect of competing in your sport?
"I love seeing the little kids after the games come up and wanting us to sign their ball or take a picture with them. It's so great to see them so excited and inspired, and to know I had something to do with that is amazing."
Q: We have seen a continued push for increased representation in collegiate athletics. Why do you believe it is important that there is diversity across all levels in collegiate athletics?
"It is so important to have representation in all sports because if you can't see it, it's hard to believe it. If you've never seen a black woman play softball or swimming or whatever it is you may be interested in, it's hard for you to fathom that it's even a possibility for you."
Q: Who is one person that has been instrumental to your growth?
"I've had a lot of mentors and people who have really influenced not only my game but me as a person, so I feel like I'd be doing those people a disservice if I just singled out one person. So I would like to say to every person that as helped me throughout my softball career that words cannot explain how grateful I am to you and how much I appreciate you."
Nyomi Jones • Sophomore • Softball • Long Beach, Calif.
Q: What is your inspiration?
"My inspiration behind competing in softball is honestly all the women I saw competing in the sport when I was younger. Natasha Watley was a big inspiration for me, especially being a lefty from California. She is one of the first black women I saw playing softball, and she inspired me to follow my dreams."
Q: What do you think is the most important thing young athletes should know about competing and being a student-athlete?
"I think that young student-athletes should know that you have to get yourself on a schedule. You can't slack off on your work because of your sport, and you can't slack of on your sport because of your work. You really have to map out a schedule and manage your time, because it only gets harder in college."
Q: What do you see as the most rewarding aspect of competing in your sport?
"I love seeing the little kids after the games come up and wanting us to sign their ball or take a picture with them. It's so great to see them so excited and inspired, and to know I had something to do with that is amazing."
Q: We have seen a continued push for increased representation in collegiate athletics. Why do you believe it is important that there is diversity across all levels in collegiate athletics?
"It is so important to have representation in all sports because if you can't see it, it's hard to believe it. If you've never seen a black woman play softball or swimming or whatever it is you may be interested in, it's hard for you to fathom that it's even a possibility for you."
Q: Who is one person that has been instrumental to your growth?
"I've had a lot of mentors and people who have really influenced not only my game but me as a person, so I feel like I'd be doing those people a disservice if I just singled out one person. So I would like to say to every person that as helped me throughout my softball career that words cannot explain how grateful I am to you and how much I appreciate you."
Players Mentioned
OF
/ SoftballPRESSER | Chris Beard & Rod Barnes CSUB Postgame (11-14-25)
Friday, November 14
HIGHLIGHTS: Men's Basketball vs. CSU Bakersfield (11-14-25)
Friday, November 14
HIGHLIGHTS: Volleyball vs. Florida (11/14/25)
Friday, November 14
PRESSER | Chris Beard & Rod Barnes (11-13-25)
Thursday, November 13