Shippensburg University women's basketball standout Ariel Jones has begun her professional basketball career in Australia, signing with the Ringwood Hawks. The news was announced on social media this weekend after the completion of Jones's first game with the team.
 
Jones led the team with 27 points and six rebounds in 28 minutes. The Hawks secured the victory, defeating the Mt. Gambier Pioneers 87-77. 
 
During Jones' time as a Raider, Shippensburg went 65-53 and won two Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division regular season titles, qualified for three PSAC tournament appearances and one NCAA tournament appearance. She is a four-time All-PSAC Eastern Division First Team Selection, including the 2017-18 PSAC East Freshman of the Year and 2019-20 and 2022-23 PSAC Eastern Division Player of the Year. 
 
Jones obtained All-American status after her historic 2022-2023 season. In her senior season, she broke the PSAC career scoring record (2,806), the all-time PSAC single game scoring record (51 points), the NCAA Division II career free-throws made record (850) and the single season scoring record (795). Jones became the first player in PSAC history to record four seasons of 600 or more points. She was named to the WBCA and D2CAA All-American First Team, making it her first First Team honor and third overall D2CAA All-America honor in her career. 
 
This marks the beginning of Jones's professional career.
 
"What a journey Ariel has had, and it is not over yet," head coach Kristy Trn said. "I am so proud of her for her hard work and dedication. She has done so much for our program and I'm confident she will make the most of this outstanding opportunity! I'm so excited to watch her compete and excel in this next chapter of her career! We all wish her the best of luck!"
 
The Ringwood Hawks play in the South division of the NBL1. The league features 76 teams across five conferences (South, North, Central, West and East). 
 
Jones is now one of four Raiders within the last decade to play professional basketball overseas. She joins Destiny Jefferson (Armenia, Artsakh) Lauren Beckley (Denmark, Lemvig Basket) and Monae Baker (Portugal, Montijobanda).