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Catching Up with Former Louisville Standout Jennifer Jones
March 07, 2014 | Women's Soccer
March 7, 2014
Former Cardinal midfielder and Louisville native Jennifer Jones is continuing her professional soccer career as a member of the club Merilappi United in the top division of the Women's League in Finland.
"I chose to play in Finland this year because it is a step up competition wise from where I was playing in Sweden last year," said Jones. "In Finland I am playing in the top league and will be playing against the best competition in the country."
While at the University of Louisville, Jones tallied eight goals and six assists totaling 22 points. A captain in her senior season, she led the team to a Big East Regular Season Title, an NCAA berth, and its first ever NCAA Sweet 16 appearance. After graduating in 2011 with a Bachelor's degree in Business, Jones began working toward her master's degree in Accounting at Ohio State.
"I think when changing my focus on my master's it made me realize how much I missed playing in competitive games," Jones stated. "Therefore I started to seek opportunities to play abroad after I completed my master's. It was important for me to have my degrees before playing in Europe so I would be ready to start my accounting career when I finish playing professionally."
Jones played on the Ohio State club soccer team and practiced with the varsity team in order to stay active while in graduate school and to prepare for the professional level. After receiving her master's degree in 2013, Jones worked with the coaching staff from the University of Louisville to seek a professional soccer career in Europe.
"Coach Karen Ferguson-Dayes got me in touch with an agent to help me find a team to play for," said Jones. "Coach Cocchi and our manager helped put together a highlight tape of me from college games to send to teams. The coaching staff has been extremely supportive of me and I greatly appreciate all their help. They have allowed me to come back and train with their team in my offseason to help me get ready before heading back to Europe."
Jones also spoke with former Cardinal Shannon Smyth who also plays professional in Europe.
"She plays in Norway currently and by her playing there it allowed me to see it is possible to play in Europe professionally," Jones said. "She has also helped me with preparing to move to a different country and helping me understand what to expect."
Jones began her career playing for Gustav in the professional women's league in Sweden along with Cardinal teammate Chloe Kiefer. She has recently made the move to Finland to face a higher level of competition. Despite the move upward to a higher league and level of play, Jones is constantly looking to improve both physically and mentally.
"By playing professionally I hope to continue to get better everyday I am on the field," Jones said. "I want to become the best player I can by continuous hard work and determination to never give up. I am able to live out a childhood dream of playing soccer professionally and I am extremely thankful I have been given this opportunity."
Jones's determination and love for the game is what has propelled her to the professional level. Traveling to Europe has allowed her to grow and develop as a person. It is these characteristics that will also help her after her soccer career is over.
"I think I will continue to grow personally as well by living abroad," said Jones. "I am able to gain the knowledge of other countries' way of life and traditions. I hope to bring back the knowledge I have gained through playing professionally and living in another country to use in my everyday life when I return to the states and start my accounting career. I want to thank my family and friends for being so supportive of me throughout my life and every decision I have made. I also want to thank the University of Louisville coaching staff for helping me grow as a player and person throughout my time there. As well as for their continuous support."
