By Jayne Daigle Jones, Dartmouth ‘86
IvyLeague.com: Why did you choose to attend an Ivy League institution?
Jayne: I grew up in a town neighboring Dartmouth. “College” to me equaled “Dartmouth!” Being close to home for college fit who I was as a person, and to have the opportunity to attend Dartmouth and play basketball there was an amazing blessing.
IvyLeague.com: How do you feel your Ivy League experience helped prepare you for your career?
Jayne: It is really more about how my Dartmouth experience helped to prepare me for life. I believe we learn and grow the most when we are challenged and pushed to our personal limits. Experiencing the rigors of academics, athletics and involvement in student life on campus taught me much about problem solving and time management. Those lessons have carried me through many busy seasons of life.
IvyLeague.com: What athletic accomplishment are you the most proud of/has the most significance to you?
Jayne: The most significant accomplishment is the 1986 Ivy Champions banner hanging in Dartmouth's arena! Our team experienced various trials and struggles throughout that season and grew wonderfully close because of them. That banner is truly a testimony to the care we had for one another.
IvyLeague.com: What is your most memorable experience from your time as an Ivy League student-athlete?
Jayne: Celebrating Ivy League championships my freshman and senior years would be the most memorable. Basketball seasons could seem long with the various triumphs and set-backs. Having those two seasons end so well was wonderful.
IvyLeague.com: How did your Ivy League experience compare to your expectations?
Jayne: I expected most of the life challenges I experienced at Dartmouth. What I didn't expect was to gain enduring friendships with so many bright and gifted people – and to have new friendships forming even 30+ years later. The women's basketball family at Dartmouth is truly special!
IvyLeague.com: What Ivy League school did you enjoy competing against the most and why?
Jayne: Harvard! The schools' rivalry always increased the fervor around those games. High-stakes, high-intensity games were just more fun!
IvyLeague.com: What is it like when you meet another former Ivy League student-athlete, and have you ever worked with another former Ivy League student-athlete?
Jayne: When I've met other former Ivy student-athletes (even from other sports!), there has been an unspoken bond, or understanding between us. It provides a springboard from which to dive into conversation. I attended a church where a weight-thrower from Brown was a pastor; and a soccer player from Princeton delivered our youngest child!
IvyLeague.com: What kind of relationship do you have with those you competed against during your time as a student-athlete?
Jayne: My favorite person to compete against while at Dartmouth was
Karin Dwyer from Cornell. We played against each other in high school – vying with one another for top scoring honors in the local league. We then went on to our respective Ivy League colleges, and so continued our relationship. She was an amazing competitor who played with poise and a lot of heart! A respectful friendship formed on the court that extended to off-the-court … and remains to this day!
IvyLeague.com: What does it mean to you to be a Legend of Ivy League Basketball?
Jayne: It is very humbling to be in the company of others being recognized as Legends of the Ivy League Basketball who have accomplished so much in this world. Being chosen as Dartmouth's honoree this year has moved me to turn back the pages and revisit a very special chapter in the story of my life. In that chapter are people, opportunities and experiences for which I am forever thankful. As in other good stories, the subsequent chapters use what has been and blend those things together with new elements to continuously shape the main character and enrich her life. It has been, and continues to be, a joy filled journey. If my life's story has in some way made a positive impact on Ivy League basketball, Dartmouth basketball, the lives of my teammates, coaches, or any of those near me, for that I am thankful. And I give all the glory to God – the Author of my Story.
IvyLeague.com: What are you looking forward to most about the Ivy League Basketball Tournaments?
Jayne: I am looking forward to watching some really good basketball; but, honestly, I am mostly looking forward to sharing the weekend with some of my family, teammates and friends. I'm looking forward to sharing in old memories while creating new ones!
Jayne Daigle Jones was a Dartmouth women's basketball student-athlete from 1982-86. She is a member of the 2019 Class of Legends of Ivy League Basketball that will be formally honored during the 2019 Ivy League Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments on Saturday, March 16, at the John J. Lee Amphitheater in New Haven, Conn. Purchase tickets at
IvyMadness.com.