It’s a long way from Y Felinhell, Wales to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, but Shan Jones made that trip to study and play collegiate soccer at Middle Tennessee State Soccer.
It was a trip that was very successful for Jones. She majored in psychology at MTSU, and earned the nickname “speedy.” She had a knack for scoring goals.
She was the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year in 2008, and when her MTSU career was over she had scored 32 goals, 75 points and 12 game-winners, all ranking in the top 10 in program history.
Often the goals she scored were “timely” as evidenced by her dozen game-winners, second most in program history.
Her college days behind her, her soccer career continues. This summer she played professionally with the Virginia Beach Piranhas, and led the 25-team W-League in scoring with 11 goals and 24 points over an 11-game span.
She helped the Piranhas win the W-League’s regular season title and earn the #1 seed for postseason play.
The Piranhas (10-1-1) fell one game short of the W-League final, losing 2-1 to the Washington Spirit Reserves in the playoffs opening round.
Jones was rewarded for her season by being selected the W-League’s Most Valuable Player, as well as Rookie of the Year for the 2013 season.
“I’m really happy for Shan and the awards she has won,” said head coach Aston Rhoden. “It’s always great to see your former players continue in the sport after completing their collegiate careers.”
Earlier this year, Jones represented Wales in the prestigious Algarve Cup in Portugal.
After the end of the W-League season, Jones, 22, shifted her professional career to Austria, where she signed to play with LUV Graz in the OFB Women’s League.
“Shan continues to represent our university and soccer program in a positive manner,” said Rhoden, “and I’m confident she will do well as she begins her pro career in Austria.”
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