1. To Whom it May Concern,
Shelby Jones earned the Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Francis
Marion University in May of 2015. While earning her degree, she played volleyball for me as a
member of the Francis Marion University Volleyball Team from Fall 2012 through Fall 2014
after transferring to us from Arizona Western College in August of 2014. During her attendance
at Francis Marion University she also coached for three seasons (2013, 2014, 2015) in my
volleyball club: Florence Juniors Volleyball Club. I am glad to recommend Shelby as a candidate
for any position for which she is professionally qualified.
Shelby was an important part of the Francis Marion University Volleyball Team during her three
seasons with us as she competed in multiple playing positions during her career here. After
serving mostly as a Middle Blocker in her first two very successful team seasons, she served
primarily as a Right Side in 2014. Her willingness to take on a new position was important in
allowing our team to remain competitive during a period of significant injuries to several of her
teammates throughout the season. In my three year experience in working with Shelby, I have
found her to be very energetic and motivating both on and off of the court. These characteristics
served her well in interacting both with her teammates and coaching staff and support staff
appropriately during her interactions with members of the team.
For the final two of her three years at FMU, Shelby participated in the Student Athlete Advisory
Committee (SAAC). This committee was charged with giving recommendations to the FMU
Athletics Department for enhancement of the student athlete experience and
enhancement/strengthening of the image of FMU Athletics on our campus and in our community.
Shelby was one of only two volleyball players on this committee, and she was regularly called
upon for her insight.
The Francis Marion University Volleyball team participated in many community service efforts
during Shelby’s career in the program. Shelby actively and positively participated in our service
events for the Salvation Army, The Humane Society, Dig Pink (Breast Cancer Awareness), the
Make a Wish Foundation, and the Florence Recreation Center.
Shelby showed supervisory strength serving as a volleyball coach for three seasons with the
Florence Juniors Volleyball Club. Shelby was responsible for the supervision of a team of
participants ages 12-16 at off campus club team practices. She coached these three teams (and
gave direction to participants’ parents) at 5-7 off campus volleyball tournaments each season.
Her teams made regular improvement during each season, and Shelby managed occasional parent
and player issues professionally.
If you have any questions for me regarding Shelby Jones’s background and efforts, please feel
free to contact me by e-mail pmacdonald@fmarion.edu or phone at 843-661-1246.
Sincerely,
Paul MacDonald
Francis Marion University Head Volleyball Coach