89R12266 JRI-D
By: Bell of Kaufman H.R. No. 580
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Forney native Taylor Jones of The University of
Texas at Austin women's basketball team was named the Southeastern
Conference Player of the Week on January 28, 2025, providing a
fitting opportunity to recognize her many achievements; and
WHEREAS, A sixth-year senior, Ms. Jones was instrumental in
the Longhorns' 80-76 win over the University of Tennessee on
January 23, recording her sixth double-double of the year with 21
points and a season-high 14 rebounds; she followed up that
performance on January 26 at the University of Mississippi,
igniting UT's offense in the fourth quarter with her clutch play
that produced 10 of her 24 points; her jump shot with two minutes
left tied the game, helping UT to clinch an impressive 61-58
victory; she also corralled six rebounds and blocked three shots;
and
WHEREAS, First gaining acclaim at Dallas Christian School,
Ms. Jones led her team to a pair of state titles and was a two-time
District Most Valuable Player; a five-star recruit, she tallied a
double-double each game of her senior season and finished her high
school career with more than 2,000 points; moreover, she garnered
two Adidas All-American and three All-Texas selections as well as
National Defensive Player of the Year recognition; her skilled play
drew the attention of college scouts, and she signed a letter of
intent with Oregon State University, where she made the Pac-12
All-Freshman and All-Conference Teams; after her junior year, she
transferred to UT, and she has since gone on to play more than 80
games for the Longhorns; in 2023-2024, she was a finalist for the
Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award and earned All-Big 12 Honorable
Mention accolades; and
WHEREAS, Off the court, Ms. Jones has further distinguished
herself through her participation in numerous community service
activities; in all her endeavors, she benefits from the support of
her parents, Keith and Deanna, her stepmother, Linda, and her
siblings, Tori, Carlie, Morgan, and Tyler; and
WHEREAS, Through her skill, determination, and commitment to
excellence, Taylor Jones has become a source of great pride to
Longhorn basketball fans, and she is truly deserving of this latest
honor; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Taylor Jones on being named the SEC
Player of the Week in women's basketball and extend to her sincere
best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ms. Jones as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.