LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA. (November 11, 2008) -- In today’s college sports landscape, two sport athletes are as rare as a total lunar eclipse. Injuries, the prospect of professional leagues, and the time that is consumed have discouraged student-athletes of pursuing sports that they have played all their life. Even in high school, young athletes are forced to choose one sport and stick to it. (VIEW ANTONIA JONES PHOTO GALLERY)
That is not to say that there are not anymore of these special student-athletes, because there are a few still out there who have taken on the grind of maintaining their level of performance in the classroom and on the competitive field or court.
Junior Antonia Jones (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast) is a rarity not only on Lincoln’s campus, but on college campuses all over the country. Through her first three years of intercollegiate athletic participation, Jones has excelled in track and field and soccer, all the while successfully keeping up with her studies. University
Jones has always been the athletic type, starting her career at the tender age of five. She experimented with all sports that included tee ball, track, softball, tennis, golf, and field hockey. Jones has always prided herself in not being pigeonholed into one sport.
“Both my parents are into sports,” explains Jones. “I always had the support from them. I never wanted to stick to just one sport. Being active in all sports was something I did because it made me happy.”
After graduating from Northeast High and being apart of the Philadelphia Public League champion field hockey team her senior tear, the athletic Jones was lured to Lincoln because of its history, the family atmosphere, and after reading about the famed track and field team coached by Hall of Fame coach Cyrus Jones. University
In her first semester on campus, Jones, being so used to always playing a sport needed something to do so that she would stay in shape for the winter and spring track seasons. Since the school did not have field hockey, which she acknowledges as her first love, she decided on soccer.
“I can say I like both (track and soccer), but I really love field hockey,” says Jones. “I never played soccer until I got to Lincoln. They don’t have field hockey and soccer was the next close thing.”
This season, Jones matched her season total in goals in 2007 with four and improved her point total by four with twelve. The 5-4 striker was a key member of a women’s team that set a school record for goals in a season with 33 and tied the school mark for victories.
Jones was one of four players who totaled double digit points for the season. Along with her twelve, the group includes sophomore Stephanie Anderson (28), sophomore Shaynita Blanchard (22), and Senior Tia Redden (10). Despite their 4-11-2 record, Jones remains optimistic of the prospects for next season, which will be her final year in a Lions uniform.
“This year, we had the best women’s soccer team that anyone has seen” Jones said. “Everyone had something special that they bring to the field. We worked well together this season. I am looking forward to next year. We should do ten times better with help from our coaches and teammates. We will be ready for next fall.”
In order to see a “ten times” improvement next fall, Jones knows she will have to take it upon herself to work on her game. This is especially important now that she will be looked upon as a veteran to the younger lady Lions.
“I personally want to improve on trapping and controlling the soccer ball,” Jones said. I have the speed, desire, and effort; I just need to learn a couple more techniques to improve myself.”
With the winter sports season quickly approaching, Jones will be able to make a smooth transition from the grass to the indoor track. After a semester of playing two forty five minute halves on the soccer field every game, the sprinter has built up enough endurance to jump right into a different animal in track. Getting her foot speed and timing down is priority number one for the explosive runner. Lincoln
“I want to improve my times, come together as a whole, and compete to my ability,” said Jones.
With soccer being a springboard, Jones looks forward to adding acclaim to the famed track and field history. She is practically a natural having played ever since she can remember.
“I ran track all my life from 2nd grade through high school,” Jones said. “At first I ran just because it was fun, then I started competing for club teams and I fell in love with it.”
If anyone knows about the rigors of being a student-athlete, it is Jones who does not take a season of competition off. With a double major in early childhood and elementary education and a minor in special education, the organized Jones makes sure she follows the path that she has set for herself.
“It’s tough if you don’t plan out your day,” says Jones. I live by my agenda book. I make time for what I have room for in my agenda. I believe you have time for what you want, and to make school work come first.”
For Jones, schoolwork is definitely number one on her list especially with aspirations of teaching students how to succeed and prepare for their futures.
“One thing about education is that you have to stay on top of target, or you will fall way behind,” explains Jones. “I know what I want in the future and I know I can succeed in anything I put my mind to.”
--LU--