One of the most prominent names in the history of George Washington women’s basketball, Jonquel Jones, will have her #35 retired and hung inside the Charles E. Smith Center.
During her time in Foggy Bottom, Jones put together one of the most impressive careers in GW history. The 2015 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year left the program as just the third player all-time to record 1,000 points, 800 rebounds and 100 blocks. She led the nation in rebounding during her senior season, averaging 14.6 per game, while also securing two A-10 regular season and tournament championships. Her GW career culminated in January of 2024, when she was inducted into the GW Athletics Hall of Fame.
Since taking off the Buff & Blue jersey for the final time, what Jones has done on the hardwood has been nothing short of world-class. The sixth overall selection in the 2016 WNBA Draft, Jones’ trophy case features nearly every single honor a professional basketball player can achieve. Included in her accolades are the 2017 WNBA Most Improved Award, the 2018 WNBA Sixth Player of the Year, the 2021 WNBA MVP, five WNBA All-Star selections, five All-WNBA Team nods, and most recently, a 2024 WNBA Champion and Finals MVP with the New York Liberty.
In May of 2025, Jones returned to the Nation’s Capital to deliver the Commencement address at GW’s graduation ceremony. During the ceremony, Jones also received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from the university.
The date for the retirement ceremony will be announced at a later time.
