Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Award Recipients
Young Alumna of the Year Award
Kareeda Chones-Aguam, Comm '98
Menomonee Falls, Wis.
Kareeda has lived and breathed basketball her entire life — from being the daughter of a professional player to her career on Marquette’s women’s basketball team to her position today as vice president of business strategy and activation for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Kareeda played for Marquette from 1995–98, and her sister and three brothers all played college basketball. Her dad, Jim Chones, played for Marquette during the Al McGuire years and played in the ABA and NBA.
With the Bucks, she served as senior director of partnership activation from 1998–2015, when she was promoted to her current role. She manages the implementation of all contracted entitlements for more than 60 corporate partners of the Bucks.
“I’m honored to be part of something so much larger than myself that will transform the city, state and region in which we live,” Kareeda says. “I wake up each and every day with a positive outlook.”
Kareeda, a voice actor in her spare time, is also the voice for many commercials and features on the Bucks’ radio broadcast and website.
“I get to work with an amazing group of people that are all focused on one goal—being the most successful and respected sports and entertainment company in the world,” she says.
Fun Facts
Hometown: Pepper Pike, Ohio
Favorite book: Knowing Your Value: Women, Value, Money and Getting What You're Worth — Mika Brzezinski
Someone (past or present) with whom you'd like to have dinner: Oprah Winfrey
Marquette faculty or staff member who had an impact on you, and how: Coach Terri Mitchell — being at peace with yourself and always surrounding yourself with positive people; it’s a hard decision to cut negativity out of your life, but in order to be successful in this life you have to make this effort.
What is one of your favorite Marquette memories? Winning round 1 of the NCAA Tournament. We were a 12 seed playing a 5, Clemson. We beat them at Louisiana Tech, and as we were celebrating in the locker room, Father Wild came in with us and starting dancing and jumping around with us. Great, great memories!
When you were in grade school, what did you want to be when you grew up, and why? Neonatologist — wanting to care and take care of new born infants in need of intensive care systems.
Who is your Marquette legacy? My father Jim Chones, and I hope two more children of my own: Carter and Averie.
Who has been the most influential person in your life, and why? Both of my parents for sure. Dad and Mom continue and have continued to work tirelessly throughout our lives to always provide the best for their children and made sacrifices we didn’t always know about just to make sure we had all that we needed. Mom specifically gave up her opportunities as a career professional as we grew up to remain home and raise five children; Dad sacrificed his time with his family to be on the road and out of the home to ensure his family was able to prosper, attend school and continue to grow as successful adults.
