Taylor Jones

Bio

At VU, Taylor “TJ” Jones has set goals for steady improvement both on and off the lanes. Personally, he hopes to improve every aspect of his play and physical health, while for the team his focus is simple — to improve and win. Motivated by the belief that effort leads to progress, he embraces the advice to “stay out of your own head, instead get into your opponent’s”. Known for his quiet personality, Taylor says people often think he is shy when they first meet him, though his teammates quickly discover his sense of humor and competitive nature.

Off the lanes, Taylor is majoring in Cybersecurity, with career plans of using his associate’s degree from VU to secure a well-paying job in digital forensics. His dream job, however, would be to compete professionally as a PBA bowler. He enjoys bowling, video games, and reading, and admits nobody knows how much he reads in his free time. He can’t imagine a week without internet, and says his biggest pet peeve is slow drivers. His favorites include chicken fettuccini alfredo, popcorn as a midnight snack, the movie Gran Turismo, the show Tulsa King, and Paramore’s Ain’t It Fun. He also admires NBA star Jayson Tatum, dreams of visiting Belgium, and would trade places with Keanu Reeves for a day to experience life as a famous actor.

Taylor chose Vincennes University because of the bowling program’s great history and the affordability of tuition. Supported by his mother, Kirsten Jones, and younger brother, Vincent Chute, he says the best part of being an athlete at VU is the amount of opportunities given to students. With his humility, focus, and motto from Vince Lombardi — “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up” — Taylor looks forward to growing as both a student-athlete and teammate with the Trailblazers.

Coach LeMond on Taylor...

"Taylor is a freshman walk-on who is quiet and coachable. He brings a good attitude and has potential for development."