Erin Jones '03-05 Softball

Erin knew she wanted to attend a smaller college. She wanted a school that would have smaller class sizes with a friendly and homey feel. Iowa Lakes fit that mold. Iowa Lakes gave her the opportunity to complete her Associate of Arts degree and jump right into her major at a 4 year school for a lower cost. 

While attending Iowa Lakes Community College, Erin not only partook in softball, but also basketball. 

Erin found great success on the softball field while attending Iowa Lakes. As a freshman, she led the nation with homeruns (18) and was named to the NJCAA 2nd Team. As a sophomore, Erin was a 1st Team NJCAA All-American and 1st Team NFCA selection. She currently holds the record in homeruns, runs batted in, steals, on-base percentage, and hits.  

While at Iowa Lakes, Erin was lucky to be surrounded by great coaches. Women’s Basketball Coach, Brian Radtke, was always there to pull Erin back to reality and call her out on things, regardless of her feelings. Mike Bosch was the coach that let her get away with anything and everything, but knew her potential and pushed her to be a better athlete. Mike gave her confidence that she never knew she had. Between the two of them, Erin was more prepared for life than any Junior College graduate should be. She gained more life experiences in the two years at Iowa Lakes than she has in the first 18 years.

Mike had this to say about Erin, "Erin was a tremendous athlete that could play centerfield, shortstop, or any position for us. She holds a number of records at Iowa Lakes, including homeruns, hits, and stolen bases. She could pretty much do it all from an athletic standpoint. I am sure if you asked Erin, if she knew then what she knows now, she could have been an even better athlete. Miss Jones was a character and probably is remembered at Iowa Lakes because of her great athletic endeavors. 

Erin also became very close with John and Carolyn Walz. They always made her and her parents feel welcome. Erin believes that the ladies in the office were the best part about being a student athlete. They always took care of her when she needed something. Erin also remembers Scott and Sarah Stokes as staff members that had a positive impact on her because they were always the "fun" adults.

One of Erin's fondest memories were the road trips with the softball team. Coach Bosch would drive the bus with his earbuds in because he hated listening to the teams conversations. He would always stop at buffets and sit by himself because he was embarrassed of the team, but in a funny way. The team of course would then embarrass him as much as possible. 

After graduating from Iowa Lakes Community College, Erin transferred to South Dakota State University to play softball for one year. Erin then transferred to Coe College to finish out her degree and play basketball. While at Coe, she was selected team captain and president of the unity council.

Erin is currently teaching at Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa as a special education teacher with behavioral focused needs. She is also the sophomore assistant volleyball coach and head softball coach at Cedar Rapids Washington.

Erin would like to thank her parents. Without the love and support of them, she wouldn't have had the opportunity to be where she is at today. 

Congratulations Erin Jones on being named to the Laker Hall of Fame.