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Jones Thankful to be Back on the Pitch
10/12/2020 10:59:00 AM | Women's Soccer
By Morgan Pruchniewski, Athletic Communications Student Assistant
DURHAM, N.C.-- The Duke women's soccer team has battled against tough teams to start the 2020 season and sophomore Sophie Jones has played a huge part in their success.
In the season opener against Wake Forest, Jones, a 2019 ACC All-Freshman team pick, collected a career-high two assists in the last few minutes of the match, leading the Blue Devils to a 4-3 win. She's played 505 minutes so far, including 72 minutes against Virginia Tech Friday in a 2-0 Duke victory. While she's been an integral part of the team so far this season, last year it was a question whether or not she could even play.
Coming into her freshman year, Jones was ranked as the second-best player nationally by Top-DrawerSoccer and had a promising season ahead of her. However, after playing 838 minutes and getting an assist against NC State, Jones tore her ACL. While this clearly wasn't the start to her collegiate career that she wanted, Jones made the most of the experience. Sitting on the sidelines and watching her team last year gave her more of an "appreciation for the game," but the injury wasn't the last of her challenges.
In the middle of her off-season rehab process, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing Jones to continue her recovery at home. Jones had virtual meetings with her physical therapist twice a week and worked every day to heal and strengthen herself for next season, even without knowing what a soccer season would look like in the middle of the pandemic. Her physical therapist, Brett Aefsky, commented that her rehab process was "a new experience for all of us, but when you are working with a dedicated athlete like Sophie, the results speak for themselves."
Continuing her recovery at home was difficult, but Jones stayed motivated. She shared that "the biggest motivation was just my teammates" and the end goal of being able to return and practice with them. Jones always worked with the hope of being able to play this season, which she's since accomplished by playing every game.
After such a long recovery process, Jones' work is finally paying off. She continues to work on maintaining her strength by continuing rehab, but is back to fully being able to compete. Aefsky adds that, "She met every challenge and overcame whatever was thrown her way, even a pandemic could not stop her progress."
"Every single day I'm just thankful that I can come out and play soccer because I remember when it was difficult to walk," added Jones. "I am more appreciative of every part of my soccer experience and am so grateful to be able to practice with my team."
Her passion has been evident on the field this season.
"Jones is such a playmaker," remarked junior Delaney Graham. "Even when she's hurting, she pushes through it for the best interest for the team."
In an already unpredictable season, Jones' story highlights the dedication and drive of this team. She's excited to continue playing hard against Boston College next Thursday at 4:00 p.m., at Newton Campus Field, live on RSN.
#GoDuke
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DURHAM, N.C.-- The Duke women's soccer team has battled against tough teams to start the 2020 season and sophomore Sophie Jones has played a huge part in their success.
In the season opener against Wake Forest, Jones, a 2019 ACC All-Freshman team pick, collected a career-high two assists in the last few minutes of the match, leading the Blue Devils to a 4-3 win. She's played 505 minutes so far, including 72 minutes against Virginia Tech Friday in a 2-0 Duke victory. While she's been an integral part of the team so far this season, last year it was a question whether or not she could even play.
Coming into her freshman year, Jones was ranked as the second-best player nationally by Top-DrawerSoccer and had a promising season ahead of her. However, after playing 838 minutes and getting an assist against NC State, Jones tore her ACL. While this clearly wasn't the start to her collegiate career that she wanted, Jones made the most of the experience. Sitting on the sidelines and watching her team last year gave her more of an "appreciation for the game," but the injury wasn't the last of her challenges.
In the middle of her off-season rehab process, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing Jones to continue her recovery at home. Jones had virtual meetings with her physical therapist twice a week and worked every day to heal and strengthen herself for next season, even without knowing what a soccer season would look like in the middle of the pandemic. Her physical therapist, Brett Aefsky, commented that her rehab process was "a new experience for all of us, but when you are working with a dedicated athlete like Sophie, the results speak for themselves."
Continuing her recovery at home was difficult, but Jones stayed motivated. She shared that "the biggest motivation was just my teammates" and the end goal of being able to return and practice with them. Jones always worked with the hope of being able to play this season, which she's since accomplished by playing every game.
After such a long recovery process, Jones' work is finally paying off. She continues to work on maintaining her strength by continuing rehab, but is back to fully being able to compete. Aefsky adds that, "She met every challenge and overcame whatever was thrown her way, even a pandemic could not stop her progress."
"Every single day I'm just thankful that I can come out and play soccer because I remember when it was difficult to walk," added Jones. "I am more appreciative of every part of my soccer experience and am so grateful to be able to practice with my team."
Her passion has been evident on the field this season.
"Jones is such a playmaker," remarked junior Delaney Graham. "Even when she's hurting, she pushes through it for the best interest for the team."
In an already unpredictable season, Jones' story highlights the dedication and drive of this team. She's excited to continue playing hard against Boston College next Thursday at 4:00 p.m., at Newton Campus Field, live on RSN.
#GoDuke
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