Dec. 10, 2010
Joni Jordan (1996-2000):
- From Elk City, Oklahoma
- Communication Major
- Graduated in December of 2000
- 1st to Receive Full Scholarship
- Academic All Big-12 1st Team, 2nd Team Junior Year
- Honorable Mention Sophomore Year
1. You had a lot of choices coming out of high school. Why Columbia, and why did you choose to play tennis for Mizzou?
It was an easy decision to choose Mizzou. My senior year of high school Mizzou joined the Big XII conference and I wanted to play in a highly competitive conference. Academically, Mizzou is one of the best in the nation and I knew the education I would receive would greatly benefit my future. Columbia was like the icing on the cake. I'm from a small town in Oklahoma and Columbia reminded me of the small town charm my hometown has with its quant downtown area. Plus, I had to come because they had a St. Louis Bread Company (Panera Bread). Back then there was only a few in the Midwest.
2. What impact did Mizzou make on you and your life?
Mizzou has impacted my life in every aspect. The quality of education I received has given me the confidence to be successful in the workforce, to be an active member of my community, and to be a better parent.
3. How did being a student-athlete in Columbia prepare you moving forward?
I think the three most important things I received from being a student athlete in Columbia is excellent time management skills, the ability to work in a team with people of different backgrounds, and confidence to tackle tough situations.
4. Can you tell me one of your funny encounters or dealings with Coach Starkey?
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Since Coach Starkey was known for getting us lost a time or two. He got a device he could speak into that would remind him of things he needed to do, directions, etc. We were traveling back from Colorado and we get to the airport and he realizes he left the speaking device on the shuttle. Luckily, he didn't miss the flight home. One other memory I have my sophomore year of school was a tough year for the team because the men's team had been dropped and it was Coach Starkey's first year to be the head coach. I remember he spent countless hours helping me prepare for the ITA indoor tournament. I was a very crafty and endurance player and the outdoors suited me better than the fast paced indoors and with his help I believe I made it to the third round of the main draw. Also, I remember him inviting the team over for meals and making us feel like we were family. Blake was also good about getting us involved in the community and we helped run the local food pantry one year which was very rewarding.
5. Since graduating from Mizzou, what are you up to these days (job, family, etc.)?
Since graduation, I married my best friend Joey McConnell (a week after I graduated) from 2000 to 2004 I worked for Oklahoma State University and the University of Texas at Tyler in their administration area. Then in 2004 we moved back to our hometown to open Circle M Animal Hospital. While my husband got our business running I became the manager/sales rep/diamond appraiser for a high-end jewelry store called Damron Jewelers. I've also helped found the Elk City Tennis Association where I'm currently co-president of the organization. We've held two USTA tournaments and a couple years ago Coach Starkey came out to help run a youth tennis camp. We had our first child a boy in 2006, Wyatt McConnell, and just recently in February I gave birth to our daughter, Josie McConnell. Currently, I have the best job in the world taking care of my two children.
6. What is one of your best memories from Mizzou?
I have so many memories from Mizzou it is too hard to pick one. My sophomore year winning our first Big 12 match against Iowa State. Also, coming from Oklahoma it was a thrill to get singles wins over Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma.
7. Do you still talk to, see or hangout with any of your old teammates?
Facebook has helped me stay in touch with a few of my teammates but most I haven't seen since we played. Coach Starkey has talked about next year having a reunion and I hope to see a few of them at that time. Anytime the team comes down to play in Oklahoma I try to go and show my support. Like I said before Coach Starkey came to my hometown to help run a tennis clinic for the youth and that was a blast!
8. What do you miss most about playing tennis at Mizzou?
I probably miss traveling across the country to play the sport. A few of my favorites... Daytona Beach, Florida; Washington D.C.; Salt Lake City, Utah; plus all the great schools of the Big 12.
9. Do you have any advice for any current or future Tigers coming into the Mizzou tennis program?
Being a student-athlete is a wonderful honor. Utilize every aspect the athletic department has to offer from the total person program to the athletic training and nutrition and fitness department. Also, I encourage everyone to be involved in the Student Athletic Advisory Council. I was a member and secretary my senior year and it gave me the opportunity to help with community service projects as well as get to know other student athletes.
10. If you could go back to Mizzou, what one moment would you want to relive?
It's hard to pick just one moment. I would want to relive The Big 12 tournament from each year. That tournament is such a thrill to play! It was a great honor to play for Mizzou and I wouldn't mind reliving it all over again. Do I have any eligibility left?
