Dayton, March 22 2014 - Former Virginia Beach Piranhas and Middle Tennessee State standout Shan Jones has signed with the Dayton Dutch Lions (USL W-League).
"Anytime you bring in the reigning league MVP you have to be happy, and we couldn't be more excited to have Shan join our team for the 2014 campaign,” Dayton Dutch Lions FC head coach Gavin MacLeod stated. “I think it speaks volumes for what we are trying to do with this team and the type of players we are looking to sign. Shan obviously had a fantastic 2013 W-League season, but since then she has crafted her game even more playing in Europe and will add a dynamic cutting edge to what is shaping up to be a very strong squad."
The Welsh striker won nearly every possible award in the W-League in 2013, including League Rookie of the Year and MVP in addition to being named to the W-League All-Conference and All-League teams. She also led the league in scoring and goals scored, finishing with 24 points from 11 goals.
This incredible success landed her a professional contract in Austria with Luv Graz, where she played from August to November 2013.
This is in addition to her time with Welsh side Caernarfon Ladies FC, where she played for three years. She would earn Player of the Year honors there in 2007.
"I am delighted to be a part of the W-League for a second year running,” Jones added. “Last year was certainly a high point in my soccer career, playing for the Virginia Beach Piranhas and I am confident that playing for Dayton Dutch Lions will add to my experience and greatly improve my chances of reaching the next level."
Jones is best known for her time with the Wales National Team, having represented the Red Dragons at the U-13, U-16, U-19, and senior levels. She even had the honor of representing her country in the 2013 Algarve Cup.
All of this is in addition to her collegiate career at Middle Tennessee State, where she finished as one of the top players in program history. She won a laundry list of awards during her time in Murfreesboro, being selected Sun Belt Freshman of the Year (2008), All-Sun Belt First Team (2008 and 2009), NSCAA All-South Region Third Team (2009), Preseason All-Sun Belt Team (2009 and 2010), and Sun Belt Player of the Week (August 2009).
Photo Credit: Middle Tennessee State Athletic Communications