Edmond Sante Fe’s E’lara Jones
Freshman E’lara Jones is already making a name for herself on the Edmond Santa Fe girls tennis team, blending quiet confidence with a competitive edge beyond her years. For the ninth grader, tennis is more than just an after-school activity it is a serious commitment that demands focus, discipline and a strong mindset every time she steps on the court.
Jones draws inspiration from one of the sport’s greatest champions, Serena Williams, and sees parallels between Williams’ journey and the challenges she faces as a young athlete. “Serena Williams inspires me the most,” Jones said. “I admire her not only for her success in tennis, but for everything she went through growing up. She faced a lot of challenges and adversity, yet she maintained a strong and positive mindset.” Jones said Serena’s resilience, confidence and determination motivate her to keep pushing regardless of obstacles, on or off the court.
That mentality shows up in pressure moments. Jones points to a match where she had to play in two super tiebreaks — and won both — as one of her favorite memories so far. The situation demanded composure and mental toughness, and she responded with the kind of focus usually seen in older players. “It was intense and required a lot of focus and determination, but pulling through in those moments made me really proud of myself,” Jones said.
Jones, who lists math as her favorite subject because she enjoys problem-solving and the challenge it brings, brings a similar analytical approach to her game. She said her favorite teacher, Señor Bush, has played a key role in her growth in the classroom by making learning enjoyable and always pushing her to do her best. That blend of support and high expectations mirrors what she values in her team environment at Santa Fe.
On court, Jones is trusted with more than just winning points. She said she feels confident making line calls and understands the responsibility that comes with it. “I believe I make fair and accurate calls, and my teammates and opponents seem to trust my judgment,” Jones said. “That trust means a lot to me, and I take it seriously because I want to keep the game respectful and competitive.”
Jones enjoys being part of a team where she can compete at a high level while also supporting the players around her. She takes pride in pushing herself to be the best player she can be, but she also loves encouraging others and contributing to a positive team culture. Away from the courts, she likes to relax and hang out with friends, giving her a break from the demands of school and sports.
Before each match, Jones carves out a quiet space to lock in mentally. She listens to music, warms up and focuses on the task ahead so she is ready to compete at a high level once play begins. She is especially looking forward to facing a familiar opponent from Cascia Hall again this season, a player she respects and credits for bringing out her best tennis.
Tennis, for Jones, is fun but it is never casual. “I play competitive tennis, and while it is fun, it’s also more than just a game for me,” she said. “It takes dedication, focus, and a strong mindset, which is what makes it so meaningful to me.” She said athletics has taught her that talent alone is not enough and that hard work, discipline and constant improvement are lessons she plans to carry into school, sports and her future career.
