Duke Women’s Soccer: Top commit Sophie Jones lands prestigious award
By Mark Smith
Incoming Duke women’s soccer phenom Sophie Jones snags Gatorade National Player of the Year as the top women’s high school soccer player.
As part of the No. 5 ranked recruiting class joining the women’s soccer team this year, Sophie Jones looks to bolster a roster which includes rising senior Ella Stevens, who won the same award in 2016.
A defensive midfielder, from Menlo School in Menlo Park, California, with elite touch and a powerful shot, Jones’ stocky frame allows to her be physical in challenging for the ball and play through tough contact. Expect to see her competing for minutes immediately.
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After splitting time playing for the San Jose Quakes developmental squad, her senior season of high school, and call ups from the U-17 and U-20 US Women’s National Team, Jones will look to make an immediate impact for the Blue Devils.
Last year’s squad put together a solid year with a 16-4-2 record overall, while finishing 8-1-1 in ACC play, before a disappointing first round exit in the ACC tournament, and being bounced in the round of sixteen in the NCAA tournament. The team’s best finish was NCAA Runner up in 2015 and 2011 with a few quarterfinal appearances sprinkled between those and an NCAA Semifinal appearance in 2017.
While the Tar Heels have reigned supreme over the ACC – winning 19 of 20 conference titles from 1989 to 2009 and 14 National Championships in the same span – increased parity has started to loosen their grasp. Since 2009 they have one just one ACC Championship, in 2017, and one National Championship, in 2012.
Second to none. Watch below to learn why world-class phenom Sophie Jones won the top honor in high school sports by being named the 2018-2019 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year! #GatoradePOY https://t.co/os5gsqgOvL pic.twitter.com/k5KI6OfHnT
— Gatorade (@Gatorade) June 19, 2019
Duke has never won a conference or national championship but will look to add some hardware for the first time this year. Signing players like Jones will bring that dream one step closer to reality.
Joining Jones this as part of this year’s recruiting class will be 28th ranked Sarah Piper, 44th ranked Julia Burnell, 67th ranked Julia Hannon, 142nd ranked Natalie Maurer, as well as 30th ranked goalkeeper Ruthie Jones and un-ranked Sarah Miller.