Mark Gronowski, Iowa’s record-setting quarterback, has found success on and off the field with the support of his longtime girlfriend, Katherine Jones. She played soccer at South Dakota State and has supported Gronowski as he progressed from FCS champion to Big Ten starter.
Katherine Jones Shaped Mark Gronowski’s Career Decisions
Katherine “Kat” Jones met Gronowski at South Dakota State, where she played soccer while he was a quarterback. Their relationship became stronger and stable during one of the most crucial periods of Gronowski’s career, when he chose to transfer to a bigger program.
When major schools called after his FCS success, Jones supported him without pressure. “Sometimes after talking about everything, I’d want to know more of what they thought, I’d ask them to give me more of their opinions,” Gronowski said. “But they never tried to be too involved and were just supportive. They had my back no matter my decision and that was huge for me.”
Jones supported Gronowski as Iowa and other Power Four programs recruited him with scholarship offers. She kept a positive attitude throughout Gronowski’s consideration of his NFL prospects and personal objectives.
Gronowski’s Record-Breaking Success at Iowa
Gronowski made history after transferring to Iowa in 2025 while adjusting to Big Ten competition. He recently became the winningest quarterback in Division I football history with 51 career victories.
His Iowa statistics show growing pains in his first season. Through three games, he completed 58.7% of passes for 306 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
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After struggling early with just 44 and 83 passing yards in his first two games, Gronowski had a strong comeback with a 179-yard, two-touchdown performance against UMass.
“I’ve seen a lot of growth in myself,” Gronowski said after the UMass victory. “That first week, I think I was already playing the game a bunch in my head before the game even started, worrying about what everyone else was thinking.”
Jones continues supporting Gronowski as he faces the ultimate test in Big Ten play, helping him maintain the calm leadership that made him successful at South Dakota State. Their bond clearly indicates how one’s inner strength can be a source of sports success even at the highest levels of college football.
