Kristi Jones is an assistant coach for the track and cross-country teams at Burnet High School. Staff photo by Nathan Bush
Growing up, Kristi Jones loved two things: athletics and being around young people. Now, she is an assistant coach for the track and cross-country teams at Burnet High School.
“I get the best of both worlds,” she said.
Jones’ commitment to teaching kids respect, dignity, and other life skills explains why The Picayune Magazine readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Radio Picayune listeners chose her as a 2023 Locals Love Us Favorite School Coach.
“I feel honored,” Jones said. “There are a ton of coaches in Burnet that put a lot of heart into coaching, and I am grateful that I get the opportunity to be one of them.”
Jones moved to the Highland Lakes from Arlington about five years ago to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.
“I love the small-town community. It reminds me of where I grew up,” she said. “I have never been a big-city person, so finding Burnet just felt like home. The Hill Country is hands down one of the best parts of the state.”
Before becoming a high school coach, Jones worked at Burnet Middle School for three years. She has learned over the years that a student-athlete's success shouldn't be defined by their work on the field or court.
“It’s a coach’s responsibility to teach our student-athletes about more than a game,” Jones said. “We get to teach them about life and how to be a good person on a daily basis.”
She also pushes them to fight through adversity and remain persistent.
“We get the opportunity to teach them that life isn’t always easy,” Jones said. “You have to be willing to put in the effort to get what you want out of life.”
Also voted Favorite School Coach were Misti Atkinson of Packsaddle Elementary School and Dave Morgan of Colt Elementary School.
Flip through the digital 2023 Locals Love Us magazine for a full list of winners.
nathan@thepicayune.com
