Jan. 12, 2011

BERKELEY - CalBears.com will help you get to know a freshman on the California softball team, and this week's participant is Victoria Jones. Jones, who can play in the infield or behind the dish, hails from Oceanside, Calif. At Vista High School, she was First Team All-Palomar League, First Team All-North County, First Team All-CIF and Most Valuable Player for her high school softball team during 2008 and 2010. Not only talented on the softball field but also on the soccer pitch, she made varsity soccer and received the award of Best Offensive Player her sophomore and senior years and notes that her best sports moment was traveling to Italy and Sweden to play soccer in the Gothia Cup. Athletics runs in the Jones family as Victoria's grandfather played professional baseball with the Boston Braves. After chatting with LaRisa Jones, CalBears.com caught up with the other Jones, who has attended ASA national championships every year from 2003-10.

CalBears.com: What made you chose Cal?
Victoria Jones: I chose Cal because I knew it would give me the best education and lead me to become a better athlete.

CalBears.com: What are your hobbies outside of softball?
VJ: I played soccer in high school, but other than that, I enjoy playing Rock Band with my roommates.

CalBears.com: Do you have any unique stories about yourself that set you apart from your teammates?
VJ: Well, on my first day of conditioning, I tripped and fell in front of the football team running behind us.

CalBears.com: What's your favorite part about Berkeley and/or the Cal campus?
VJ: I really enjoy all of the resources here and the friendships I have made.

CalBears.com: What is the best thing about being a part of Cal softball?
VJ: My favorite thing about Cal softball is the bond our team and our coaches have with each other.

CalBears.com: Did you grow up watching Cal athletics? What has it been like to represent them?
VJ: I unfortunately did not grow up watching Cal athletics, but I can honestly say that is an honor to represent the University.

CalBears.com: What has been your favorite part about college life so far?
VJ:My favorite part about college so far would have to be being independent and not having to rely on other people to do things for you.

CalBears.com: What are you planning on or thinking of majoring in?
VJ: I am thinking on majoring in American Studies, but I am not positive yet.

CalBears.com: What has been the hardest, most surprising aspect about transitioning from high school to college?
VJ: The fact that there is so much reading, and the fact that the teachers don't really care if you do them or not or check on you.

CalBears.com: What class did you most enjoy this fall?
VJ: My Education 98 class, it is a class of athletes and I get to meet other athletes.

CalBears.com: Now that you're done with your first semester of college, what advice do you wish someone had told you about college or would you give to incoming student-athletes?
VJ: I wish someone would have told me that the lectures have to do directly with the reading. If you don't do the reading, you're totally lost in class.

CalBears.com: What were your initial impressions of Berkeley?
VJ: Wow, there are a lot of weird people here!

CalBears.com: Who would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with?
VJ: I would be stranded on an island with my parents and brother.

CalBears.com: What is your biggest pet peeve?
VJ: When people are arrogant and obnoxious.

CalBears.com: Do you have any special pre-game rituals?
VJ: I always do my hair the same, every single game.

CalBears.com: When you were a little kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
VJ: I wanted to be on the Olympic soccer team.

CalBears.com: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would buy?
VJ: I would pay off my parents' house.

CalBears.com: What is one thing you can't live without?
VJ: I can't live without my cell phone.

To read all previous features on the Golden Bears, please click here.