St. Joseph Academy basketball player Daija Jones is student athlete of the week

CLEVELAND - The Magnificat Blue Streaks were preparing for a basketball game with the St. Joseph Academy Jaguars and student athlete senior Daija Jones. But for Daija, this game and this season almost didn't happen.

Last season, Daija tore her ACL and her basketball playing days didn't look good. But with her hard work and determination, she returned to the court for the end of her junior season. Now she's the team captain for her senior season.

"After I heard all of the negative things that people were saying, like she's not going to come back, that just made my drive more passionate. Everything was about getting better getting back proving people wrong," said Daija.

"She been focused to get herself back on the court she worked so hard over the summer she is such a team player. She's a captain, she's always rooting for the girls even if she's off she's all about the team," said head coach Maggie Ferrando.

Daija's hard work on the court carries into the classroom maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. Daija also volunteers at her church and at her former elementary school. Her goal in the future is to obtain a doctoral degree in pharmacology.

Daija Jones is the McDonald's student athlete of the week.