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The Olivia Jones Series: Outro (Cambridge, MA)

 

Harvard recruit Olivia Jones pictured with family during 2024 National Signing Day (November 2024)

Tyreese Smith | rpnfactory@gmail.com

WEST CHESTER, PA -- Can't believe we're at this point of this chapter, but all good things, eventually come to an end.

I was still new to the scene, had no direction whatsoever with my platform at first, but little did I know when recruiting Jones in 2021 that it was going to change my work forever.

Seeing her start out as an eighth grader with the biggest heart playing three grades up, it's been a journey to say the least. Multiple accolades, two state titles, numerous league titles and other accomplishments that would drag this on, she has built a nice resume for herself before stepping on a college campus. Wait, did I forget to mention that she's committed to Harvard? You've probably heard about that nonstop since the summer.

While, I can sit here and type the morning away on how good of a player Jones is, her character has been the biggest bright spot throughout this time. Makes it a priority to respect those around her, always had positive reviews as a teammate, doesn't just go with the crowd, yet is best at following her heart. Jones has always been above her years and has handled the spotlight in a professional manner. Could not be more proud of her for doing the right thing.

For those of you who don't know, I am wrapping up my RPN journey. I've contemplated it for awhile, but now is the right time to make it official. It's been an eye-opening experience working with a lot of various talents these last five years, but life is passing on as I'm heading in a new direction. Working with Jones has brought a lot of opportunities networking inside her inner circle, in grassroots and college coaches as a source, but will forever be thankful for her in believing in a dude who 'skips to his own beat'.

For the very last time, the RPN caught up with Olivia Jones in an interview on the navigation of her career, time at Westtown and preparation for the collegiate level.

Thank you Olivia for the last four years.

Olivia Jones Interview
Tyreese Smith: "Wow, wow, wow. I cannot believe we are at the end of senior year. It feels like yesterday when you were that small kid from the West Shore, to now being known across the country. I'm still in denial as this is your last high school interview. Olivia, we are very glad to have you back at the Factory. How's everything been?"

Olivia Jones: "Life has been pretty good lately. Given that we haven’t spoken since last August, my senior year here at Westtown has been pretty good. Well I should say, for the most part. Unfortunately, this season I fractured my tibia in the first minute of our first game, so I was out for basically the entire season. I ended up coming back for FSL’s, States, and Chipotle Nationals. To have something of my senior year. I couldn’t be more happy with the decision I made in coming back for these last few basketball events, though. I enjoyed my final high school games with some of my best friends, and it felt great to finally get back to playing basketball again. Since the season has ended, I have been working out, and just enjoying my last couple months of high school. I recently went up to Harvard for Visitas. It was an incredible experience that really gave me the feeling that I chose the right place to spend my next four years."



Tyreese Smith: "A lot to be thankful for at this point in life. You’ve sacrificed a lot of personal time, grew up a lot earlier than others and even moved away from home to become the best version of yourself. What has been the driving force leading to your success?"

Olivia Jones: "The driving force leading to my success first off would be my trust in God. The plan he has for me. Throughout all of the ups and downs that have come my way, remaining grounded in my belief and trust in God has gotten me to where I am today. Next, I would say that my parents have also been a driving force in getting me to where I am today. Without their sacrifices, guidance, advice and time, I am not certain that I would have been able to reach these goals on my own. My parents have sacrificed everything for me to get me to where I am today, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Lastly, my brother would be my other major driving force that has led to my success. My younger brother has made countless sacrifices for me. Tommy is constantly making me better in everything I do by challenging me in so many ways. He has supported me no matter what in everything that I do. He has been there for me through tough times, and I continue to work hard everyday for him. He has made me who I am today. Now it is super exciting to see the basketball player that he has grown to be, and for me to support him in his basketball journey."



Tyreese Smith: "Going off of that, you came up in an era where one can feel as though there’s a lot more around them. More specifically in this case, the cameras and social media effect with the brand that you have built up. If I may ask, how were you able to deal with all the attention while staying true to Olivia Rose Jones? Who even is Olivia Jones?"

Olivia Jones: "Well, Olivia Jones is me *laughs*, but no in all seriousness my dad taught me from a very young age that people are going to have a lot to say. Whether positive or negative, just continue to keep your head down, work hard, and most importantly trust in God. I think having the parents that I have is what helped me be able to deal with the attention because they helped me stay grounded, and true to who I was at heart. Growing up, another thing my dad taught me is that not everyone was going to be my friend. I think that also really stuck with me. While I was young, I never understood it because I just thought that everyone was my friend. As I grew up, I began to understand that not everyone had my best interest at heart, and because of that I learned to keep my circle very small. Advice that I would give to younger standouts would be that people are always going to have something to say about you. If you know who you are and know what you stand for, then let your character speak for itself."



Tyreese Smith: "We all know that basketball takes up your life. Is there anything you've always wanted to do, but haven't had the chance to yet?"

Olivia Jones: "Wow, that's a great question. Not off the top of my head, but I do really love to travel. I think there are a couple places that in my lifetime I want to be able to see and explore later in life."



Tyreese Smith: "What are the most important lessons you have learned to this point in life?"

Olivia Jones: "The most important lesson I have learned in life would ultimately be to place your trust in God. The next one would be to be humble in everything that you do because it can be taken from you in the blink of an eye. The next one would be to be yourself, and to be a leader even when it feels difficult. Another one would be to work hard because somebody somewhere is working harder than you are. Lastly, another lesson I learned is to live your life with purpose and gratitude every single day."



Tyreese Smith: "How would you describe your time at Westtown School?"

Olivia Jones: "My time at Westtown School has been everything that I wanted it to be before I arrived here on campus almost a year and a half ago. Westtown has been such an amazing experience for me both on and off the court. Speaking in terms of basketball, getting to play with some of my best friends, and also getting to play under some of the best coaches around has been a blessing for me. In terms of school, the faculty and staff who I have created relationships with will forever stick with me everywhere I go, and I am so appreciative of everyone here. I have also met some of the most important people in my life for which I am so grateful. Overall, at first Westtown was a big change in my life, but looking back on my decision, I could not see myself being anywhere else. I am so happy that I made the decision to come here. I feel this experience at Westtown has truly prepared me both academically and socially for Harvard University. Recently, I was able to observe a math class and an economics class at Harvard, and it was taught in a very similar manner to my Westtown courses. So I feel confident that I am prepared for the academic courses at Harvard. Having the opportunity to live at Westtown has also prepared me for living away from home. While Westtown was much closer to home, and I could still make my brother’s game and go home frequently to be with my family, the experience of dorm living and being away has helped prepare me for going to Harvard this fall."



Tyreese Smith: "We understand that you are committed to Harvard University, since last August. Can you discuss a bit more about your academic focus and explain to the audience why you’re choosing that path off the court?"

Olivia Jones: "My decision to attend Harvard was influenced by numerous factors, but foremost among them was the institution’s renowned academic excellence. From an early age, my mother instilled in both my brother and me the importance of maintaining strong academic performance as a prerequisite to participating in basketball. I am deeply grateful for this guidance, as it has played a pivotal role in shaping my educational and athletic journey."

"Unlike many of my peers," She continued. "I have always had a genuine passion for learning. I find intellectual challenges to be very rewarding. I view Harvard as the next, and most significant challenge in my academic path. While basketball has been a central part of my life, something I have dedicated myself to with great discipline and effort, I am also realistic about the fact that at some point my basketball playing career will come to an end."

"With that in mind, choosing a college was a decision that I made with a very thoughtful, long-term perspective and towards an outlook. I am confident that Harvard University and the Harvard coaches will not only support my growth as a basketball player. More importantly, Harvard will provide me with the education and opportunities necessary for success in life after basketball."




Tyreese Smith: "What's the preparation projected to look like for you in these next couple of months?"

Olivia Jones: "The preparation for these next couple of months will be hard work and dedication to continuous improvement. Working with the trainers I have, I really am just excited and committed to training daily to get better. I can’t wait for the next step of my journey at Harvard."



Tyreese Smith: "You’ve already gone through this one, but let’s talk about a five year plan. How do you visualize yourself in five years?"

Olivia Jones: "In five years, I picture myself looking back on the accomplishments and successes from all the hard work and sacrifices that it took to bring me to this point in my life. I am hopeful to be able to reflect on the overall journey and appreciate the relationships developed and opportunities created through this sport that I have loved so much. I am certain that I will be pleased with the career that I had at Harvard and will be proud of myself for these accomplishments."



Tyreese Smith: "Well, Orose you have officially gone through the RPN journey. The first of her name to be here all four years to collaborate. We are all proud of you for your accomplishments, but more importantly, your character as it’s incredibly hard to not root for you. For the very last time, do you have any last words of encouragement or motivation for people?"

Olivia Jones: "Trust in God even when times get tough and life seems hard. Lastly, trust in yourself and who you are no matter what. Remember to surround yourself with good people. Tyreese, thank you for all the work you have done with me over these years!"


The Complete Olivia Jones Series






Follow Olivia Jones
Instagram @orosejones
Twitter/X @olivia_jones_44

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Location: West Chester, PA, USA

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