SOUTH POINT — Jasmyn Jones didn’t stay at a Holiday Inn last night, but she still can’t help feeling like she’s Super Girl.
When Jones set a new South Point soccer career scoring record, she admitted the accomplishment boosted her confidence and self-esteem.
“When I broke it at Spring Valley, I felt accomplished and I felt like I could basically do anything,” said Jones.
“Last year I wasn’t so much (concerned with the record). (Coach) Erin (Jenkins) told me I only had a few goals left when we were playing Rock Hill. I tied it that game and that really meant a lot to know that I was going into my senior year breaking records.”
And the record breaking total continues. The school record was 78 and it was set by Jordan Fletcher of the boys’ program. Jones now has 88 career goals as the Lady Pointers have started the season 3-0 including a win over Rock Hill, the first loss from that program in five years.
South Point head coach Summer Collins spent the past 5 seasons coaching Rock Hill and had some talented players including Bri Reynolds. Collins said Jones has joined the list of elite players she has coached.
“Jasmyn Jones is probably the quickest player I’ve ever coached,” said Collins who said that scoring 10 goals in the first 3 games is pretty amazing. “She still has at least 15 games left. That’s pretty awesome.”
Collins was the Rock Hill head coach until this season where she won 5 straight Ohio Valley Conference titles. She said Jones’ leadership has been an important asset.
“She was voted team captain by her teammates, and just watching her step into that role and communicate on the field and show that leadership has been amazing as well,” said Collins.
“Even though I didn’t coach her last year, we connected last year and we started talking colleges. Where do you want to play, what do you want to do, who are your top schools? We started getting in touch and this year we’ve put into full motion. She knows what she has to prove on the field to play where she wants to play at the next level and she’s already started doing that in the first two games.”
Being a good soccer player isn’t a fluke or accident. Jones has been playing the game a long time.
“I’ve been playing ever since I could walk,” Jones said with a laugh. “I think I started when I was four.”
Besides soccer, Jones has played basketball and ran track. But she said soccer has always been her passion.
“I just like this sport because when I play it feels like the whole world is in my hands. I just feel like all the little kids and everyone’s eyes are just on me and it really helps me because it makes me want to prove myself to those people who are watching me,” said Jones.
“And it helps me want to make an impact on the world. When I’m having a bad day and I come to practice it takes my problems away. It’s a really good thing that I have something to do to shield myself from the world and go into my own little world.”
But all that success on the field has not only made Jones more assertive and aggressive as a player, but it has become an example to her teammates.
“I just want to show that if I can do it, they can, too. It doesn’t have to be all me. We have a lot of talented people on our team and they are all amazing girls and they are all good to communicate with,” said Jones. “Just want them to know that no matter what their position is or how old or young they are that they can do it if they put their mind to it.”
Jones knows her accomplishments go beyond just a team effort.
“I wouldn’t have been here today if it wasn’t for Erin Jenkins. She pushed me through the three years she coached me and she’s a reason why I have the accomplishments that I have now,” said Jones.
“And I’d also like to give a big thanks to Summer Collins because she also helped me and guided me and pushed me and she calmed me down in the game that I broke the record because I was really emotional and really stressed. She talked to me and that calmed me down and made me want to go out there and break the record even more.
“Once I broke the record, she was one of the first people I gave a hug to because she was one of the reasons I was so determined to make that shot.”
Jones wants to go to college and play soccer while majoring in physical therapy. She also has another goal.
“My dream is to be a professional soccer player, but it’s in God’s will,” said Jones.
Hmmm. Maybe she is Super Girl.
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