September 27, 2019

Employee Spotlight on Kista Jones and her son, Jaylon

Meet City of Lubbock Utilities Account Support Specialist Kista Jones. As part of her job responsibilities, she helps her clients—large commercial customers like Texas Tech and apartment complexes—by being a problem solver and managing their accounts. She is part of a team of four, and her day-to-day involves everything from researching accounts and sharing energy saving tips to working with her clients to help meet their energy needs. When she’s not at work, she’s just like every other Lubbockite, tending to her yard, reading or spending time with her family.

Fall is an especially exciting time for her family, who were all born and raised in Lubbock, because it signals Friday Night Lights and the kickoff of football season. Her son, #6 Jaylon Dobbins, is the starting quarterback for the Estacado High School Matadors varsity football team.

“Jaylon began playing football when he was just five years old,” said Jones. “My entire family attended Estacado, and his dad also played football as the starting blue chip linebacker in the class of ’88-‘89. You can say Jaylon was born to be a Matador.”

Now a junior in high school, Dobbins grew up playing football at the Youth Sports League. He started out as a fullback but moved into his quarterback position in junior high. He also gets to play with his half-brother, #13 Jeremiah Dobbins, who is a two-time All-state running back for the team.

Each week, Jones looks forward to cheering on her son, whether it’s a home or away game.

“I always promise Jaylon I’ll be at the games. I can tell it means a lot to him, because I can see him looking for me,” continued Jones. “Our family wears t-shirts with Jaylon’s name and number on them.”

It’s important to note Dobbins is also a skilled basketball player. Standing at 6’3”, he plays on the Estacado varsity basketball team.

When he goes off to college, he wants to major in education or physical therapy and eventually be a football coach. If the opportunity comes to play college football, he would gladly accept.

No matter where he ends up, Jones knows her son will always remember his roots.

“The one piece of advice I always tell Jaylon is to be respectful at all times,” said Jones. “Lubbock is his home, and a part of me hopes he’ll stay near for college, but I’m also so excited to see where his future will take him.”

Estacado Homecoming is Friday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. against the Borger High School Bulldogs. Join Dobbins, Jones and the Matadors and help them bring home the W!