LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Former University of Louisville standout Aiko Jones has been hired as the new assistant coach of the Bellarmine University volleyball team, head coach Rick Nold announced Monday.

"I am extremely excited to welcome Aiko to the Bellarmine Volleyball family.  It's been a blast cheering her on as a fan the past few years and we can't wait to integrate her into our program," Nold said. "Aiko brings with her a wealth of experience as both a student-athlete and professional and I look forward to our players learning from her."

Jones comes to Bellarmine amidst starting her professional playing career, signing with the Professional Volleyball Federation's Atlanta Vibe in December of 2024.

"After spending 6 of the most meaningful years of my life in Louisville, I could not be more excited to join the Bellarmine Volleyball family. I am honored to be given this opportunity to give back to the city of Louisville and to volleyball and to do that as a Bellarmine Knight," Jones said. "I'm looking forward to growing with this group as we continue to advance this great program."

While this will be her first collegiate coaching job, Jones has been coaching in some capacity since she came to Louisville. Beginning as a summer camp coach for University of Louisville volleyball camps, she has also had short stints in high school volleyball as a guest coach at some North Bullitt and Grandview Heights High practices. In addition, Jones has been providing private coaching lessons.

An opposite side hitter, Jones was well-known in her time at the University of Louisville from 2018-2023. After taking a redshirt her freshman year in 2018, Jones broke out in 2019 and never looked back, earning three First Team All-ACC, two Second Team All-ACC, four ACVA NCAA Tournament All-Region First Team and an AVCA All-American Honorable Mention honors in her career. A five-year starter and four-time captain for the Cardinals, Jones entered the Louisville record books as a member of its 1,000-kill club, finishing her career with 1,344, good for 10^th most all time and 4^th most in the rally scoring era. She also racked up 579 digs, 482 total blocks (7^th all-time, 5^th in rally scoring era) and 155 aces (7^th all-time, 2^nd in rally scoring era) in her 149 career matches, the sixth most all-time.

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