Lia (Jones) Palomino has been named to the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor class of 2020. Jones was a member of the Oakland women's cross country team from 2008-13.

Jones was the second female cross country runner in program history to earn NCAA DI All-Region honors, placing 18th. A four-time all conference honoree, Jones was a member of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Association All-Academic Team, just the second student-athlete in program history to accomplish this feat.

A native of Tustin, Mich, Jones holds the second fastest 5k time for women's cross country at Oakland (17:23) and guided her team to the 2010 Summit League Championship as the number one runner. Jones finished the race fourth in the time of 21:26.90, the (then) second best time in program history.  

Jones competed at the NCAA DI National Semifinals, finishing the 5K in 16:59.24, good for 28th place.

What does being inducted to the Hall of Honor mean to you?
It means being able to share this honor with all the legendary "pioneers" who helped forge these opportunities for me and my fellow student athletes. I am grateful for the recognition for all of my hard work and commitment during my time as part of Oakland University athletics.
 
What does Oakland mean to you?
It means "home". It was a place that gave me a purpose for 5 years with an athletic program that gave me endless opportunities and support during those important years of growth in my life. 

What is your favorite Oakland memory?
It is almost impossible to pick a favorite, but if I could choose my favorite it would be as simple as waking up everyday being able to live and experience life with my best friends. I miss the everyday practices and the weekly competitions and all the memories that went along with those amazing experiences. Though, I will also never forget winning Women's Cross Country Team Conferences my junior year. The best moment is when Coach Rice found out we won and came running toward us girls with his arms in the air. The happiness in his eyes and the feeling after being told the news are moments I will never forget.

What does your sport mean to you?
It means "family". When I started as a freshman at Oakland University I immediately found family in my teammates. We were all working toward one common goal in terms of being apart of Oakland Cross Country, but we shared more than that. We shared support and being there for each other throughout everything in those college years. I truly did find my family as well. I not only shared this sport with my brother, Zack Jones, who ran at OU as well, I was also lucky to have been given an amazing husband and sister-in-law Mario Palomino and Kelsey Jones who were both part of the team. My sport is my team and my family. 

 
What did you do after your Oakland experience?
After I obtained by bachelor's degree I continued at Oakland University to receive a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I currently live in Novi, MI with my husband Mario Palomino and work at an outpatient physical therapy clinic where I get the opportunity to help people everyday. 

This year's induction ceremony will take place on Friday, Jan. 24 at the Auburn Hills Marriott Pontiac. The event is open to the public, and those interested in attending can register here.