THE CHAMP IS HERE! After helping lead the Liberty to a long-awaited WNBA Championship victory, Jonquel Jones (JJ) made her way back to her hometown of Freeport, Bahamas, and the reception was nothing short of memorable. The Finals MVP, fresh off her historic achievement, touched down in Freeport to an outpouring of love, pride, and celebration from her fellow Bahamians.

As soon as JJ stepped off the plane, the island came alive in a way only the Bahamas can do. A Junkanoo celebration—a vibrant display of live music, dazzling costumes, energetic dancing, and infectious energy—greeted her like a true champion.

But JJ didn’t just come to bask in the glory of her victory— she reciprocated the love. She visited the very primary schools she once attended, sitting with the youth and sharing her journey from Freeport to becoming a WNBA Champion. With humility and grace, she spoke to the students, inspiring them to dream big and believe that one day, they too could follow in her footsteps.

The celebrations didn’t stop there. The island threw JJ a parade that spanned the corners of Freeport, bringing the whole community together in a joyous display of pride. The streets were lined with fans, family, and friends, all there to cheer for their hometown hero. To further show their appreciation — two  champion billboards were unveiled in her honor in 8 Mile Rock and Holmes Rock, the very places where JJ grew up and honed her love for the game.

In addition to the community celebrations, JJ’s visit included a series of meaningful engagements with Bahamian government officials, underscoring her status not just as a sports icon, but as a symbol of national pride. She met with government representatives to discuss initiatives aimed at empowering youth in the Bahamas, using her platform to advocate for greater opportunities in sports, education, and personal development for the next generation of Bahamians.

Another powerful moment during her visit was meeting with Madam Excellence, the esteemed leader of the Bahamas, who also expressed deep pride in JJ’s accomplishments. Their conversation was a recognition of JJ’s impact, not only on the basketball world but also in inspiring national pride and unity.

It was awe-inspiring to see the place where Jonquel Jones grew up—the place she’s always proudly called home—revere her in such a profound way. The love and admiration that the community showed her was palpable, and it was clear that JJ’s impact was felt far beyond the basketball court. In a place where pride runs deep, they weren’t just celebrating a championship; they were celebrating a hero who had achieved greatness and brought it back to her roots.