Billingsley’s Jones adds an All-Star win to her career – The Clanton Advertiser

By Andrew White | Staff Writer

Alana Jones adds an AHSAA North-South All-Star Game win to her illustrious volleyball career. During the all-star game, she had three digs and one assist.

“It meant a lot just because it meant all my hard work for the past six years got to be displayed to everybody,” said Jones.

Jones started playing volleyball in the seventh grade in Gulf Shores. Carrie Ellis, Jones’ seventh-grade volleyball coach, put Jones on the bench one time in seventh grade for not knowing her rotations. Now, Ellis could not be prouder of Jones and the career she has had and will continue to have.

“The thing with Alana is that she’s just proof that even if you come from a small school, if you work hard, put in the effort and are a great teammate, you’ll be recognized,” said Ellis.

When Jones came to Billingsley, she was nervous that her dreams of college volleyball would be in jeopardy. Ellis ended up following Jones to Billingsley, and she has been her head coach for the past couple of years, seeing a lot of success together.

“Just because you’re from a smaller school doesn’t mean you don’t have as much of an opportunity as everybody else,” said Jones. “It just depends on how much work you put into it.”

Ellis will tell you that part of the reason she ended up at Billingsley was to continue to coach Jones. And though Jones was nervous when she came to Billingsley, she was quickly motivated.

“(Ellis) always teaches me to work hard no matter what, and she’s just the best supporter,” said Jones.

In the past few years, Jones has had an incredible volleyball career at Billingsley, racking up all sorts of recognitions. She was First Team All-State in 2024, First Team All-Area in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and Class 1A All-Regional in 2024. Most recently, she was selected to be a part of the AHSAA North-South All-Star Game. Jones has also been the captain for the last two years at Billingsley, known for her great leadership and good sportsmanship.

“She’s just a great mentor to the young community, showing them if you really work hard, you can accomplish your goals,” said Ellis.

According to Ellis, before tryouts this year, Jones gave a pep talk to many of the seventh graders trying out for the first time.

Off the court, Jones is known to be slightly shy, but a great leader who gets good grades.

Billingsley, Jones and Ellis also had success together, winning all-county in eighth grade, which Jones says is one of her favorite memories in her volleyball career. On the court, she turns on a different energy. She turns into a firecracker; she’s always talking, and she’s always rooting her teammates on.

Jones hopes to continue her volleyball career in college, playing beach volleyball. She has already received an offer from Lauren B. Wallace Community College in Andalusia.

Jones also plays basketball, softball and runs track.