Episcopal Academy’s Eddie Jones is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week (Oct. 3-9)
The senior striker scored nine goals in the Episcopal Academy boys soccer team’s first nine games. EA boys soccer head coach David Knox said, “Eddie is such a versatile soccer player who is able to plug in to any area of the field. He is a quiet leader whose work ethic is unmatched. His size and speed coupled with his exquisite touch make him the ideal target man and the perfect old school center-forward. He is incredibly fit and can make lung-busting runs all game long. Once in or near the box he can strike a ball with terrific accuracy and power.” Jones is a three-sport athlete at EA – soccer, basketball and lacrosse, and will play lacrosse for Villanova University next year. Jones’ father, Ed Jones III, is a 1987 EA grad who played soccer for the Churchmen.
Q: What do you think have been the biggest keys for your prolific scoring?
A: I think that the keys to my scoring early this season have been my great teammates and hard work during practice. My teammates have given me opportunities during games and I have tried to take advantage. We all have worked hard on the field to communicate well and work as a tight unit.
Q: Have you always played forward?
A: I have not always been a forward, in fact for most of my high school career I have played many different positions. When I played club soccer for Lower Merion Soccer Club, I played center back. This year I am enjoying the opportunity Coach Knox is giving me to play up top and have been lucky enough to be putting the ball in the back of the net.
Q: How do you see your team leadership role, both on and off the field, as a team captain?
A: Being a team captain has been a great experience. I try to be a positive example on and off the field by listening to others and showing a good work ethic. I try and reach out to my teammates and help them in any way I can.
Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What part of your game have you worked on the most recently?
A: I believe my speed and composure with the ball are the strongest parts of my game. I have worked very hard on getting back into shape in the weight room after having a concussion this past summer. I continue to work on my dribbling and shooting.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in soccer. Who have been your top soccer mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: I began playing soccer at the age of 4 with Lower Merion Soccer Club in their Fall Intramural Program and remained in the program until 9th grade. Biff Sturla was my U6 Developmental Coach where I learned a lot about the game and how to practice with a team. Gabe Betancourt taught me a lot about how to mentally and physically prepare for a game. He would send us ideas of what to eat prior to a game and would give us speed ladder drills and workouts to do during the week. Coach Dale Haines, my LMSC Invictus coach from 6th to 8th grade, had a major influence on the way I play and watch the game of soccer as a fan and as a player. He taught me the importance of being a team player and that each player has an important role on the field. Finally, Mr. Luff, my EA middle school soccer coach and English teacher, continues to be a mentor to me. He has taught me the value of setting goals and how you need to constantly be working hard and giving your best effort in order to achieve them. I have been very lucky to learn the game from excellent coaches.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 24 for EA soccer – is there a reason you picked this number?
A: I received No. 24 when I moved up to varsity my freshman year and now it is the biggest jersey, so it’s the one that fits me the best! I like having a jersey number with a four in it because my full name is Edward L. Jones IV.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.
A: I like to drink a pedialyte and I always eat the same thing for lunch on game days, chicken and white rice.
Q: What do you feel are the advantages of being a 3-sport athlete in high school, compared to just focusing on one sport?
A: There are many advantages to being a three-sport athlete, especially at a school like Episcopal. I am fortunate to be coached by great coaches, Knox, Wright and Bates, who are all passionate and knowledgeable about their sport. I am able to learn so much from them about being a competitor, as well as the technical side of each game. By playing three sports I have been able to meet so many different people and have close relationships with players from all grades. Lastly, I think that playing three sports keeps you in great shape and allows you to always be competing and getting better.
Q: What is your favorite academic course at EA? What do you plan to major in at Villanova?
A: My favorite academic course at EA is history. I especially enjoy learning about early American History and Government. I plan on entering the Villanova School of Business next fall and perhaps majoring in real estate.
Q: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities at EA other than soccer, lacrosse and basketball?
A: I am a member of the Esse Quam Videri Society at Episcopal. EQV is composed of 10 seniors who were selected by their peers and the faculty as leaders of the high school to encourage a positive culture in the school community.
Fun facts – Eddie Jones
Favorite book: Make your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven.
Favorite author: David McCullough.
Favorite TV show: Vikings.
Favorite movie: Braveheart.
Favorite athlete: Allen Iverson.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: I should have walked away (Kaaze).
Favorite team: Sixers.
Favorite place to visit: Tucson, Arizona.
Favorite pre-game meal: Chicken and Rice .
Person I most admire, and why: “I admire my dad. He works hard every day and would do anything for our family. He keeps everything in perspective and reminds me to keep being the best person I can be, and to always remember to laugh!”
Family members: parents Ed III and Loraine, sisters Amanda (EA Class of 2020, junior at Wake Forest University) and Lauren (EA Class of ’2021, sophomore at University of Richmond, where she plays on the women’s golf team).
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
