Name: Tom Jones
Degree & Year: BSc (Math) 1979
T-Bird Sport: Volleyball 1974-79
Current Profession/Employer: Sport Management / Sport for Life  

Why did you choose to play at UBC? 
My dad and two older brothers went to UBC and I already knew some of the guys on the volleyball team so it was a natural fit.

Why did you choose your program of study at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
I liked the Sciences… and math did not have labs which left more time for volleyball.

Favourite T-Bird memory?
Winning the national championship in 1975-76 with a group of coaches and athletes that have remained friends for life. Induction to the UBC Sports Hall of Fame this weekend will be another great opportunity for the team to connect. 

Favourite place on campus?
War Memorial Gym back in the day. I was also in residence at Place Vanier for several years, and the friends I made in residence are still some of my best friends. 

Did you receive financial support as a student-athlete?  If so, how did this impact your experience as a T-Bird?  
I had a small bursary from my hometown of Mission, B.C., but like many others, I worked at summer jobs to help finance my education. I worked a couple summers at local lumber mills prior to receiving support from the federal Athlete Assistance Program when I joined the national team in my third at UBC. 

What was your first job after graduation? 
After graduation from UBC, I went on to do an MBA while training with the national team.  I had several part-time jobs during that time, including as Graduate Teaching Assistant and working at the Spruce Meadows Jump Center in Calgary, before leaving Canada to compete professionally in Europe. My first real job after playing professionally was with the BC Government as Athlete Development Manager. 

What advice do you have for current student-athletes? 
Give your very best during the time at UBC, strive to improve every day, and take time to enjoy the ride. 

How have you used your varsity athletic experience in your current career/life? 
My time with UBC volleyball set the stage for my development in the sport of volleyball, prepared me for the high performance level, created a wonderful network of friends and colleagues, and led to a career in the sport industry.  

Do you have a mentor?  How have they influenced you? 
I had a supervisor named Bob Bearpark when I worked in the Sport Ministry of the BC government, who taught me important leadership skills, about the importance of having & communicating a vision, and about seeing the best in others. 

How and where do you find inspiration? 
By keeping physically active, being outdoors often, staying connected to others and being grateful. 

Can you share any new hobbies/goals? 
I stay active in my sport through playing masters-level beach volleyball and serving as a volunteer, while keeping fit through tennis, swimming and cycling. During COVID-19, I've done more reading and learned the ins and outs of zoom calls. I'm also trying to play the guitar more often.