Sept. 15, 2009
In the coming weeks, TarHeelBlue.com will be featuring several members of the University of North Carolina's No. 1-ranked women's soccer team by conducting Q&A sessions with the players. These features are meant to allow our readers to get to know the personalities of the team members and gain further insight on a national champion program. T.J. Scholl, a student assistant in the Athletic Communications Office, sat down this week to conduct a Q&A with sophomore forward Courtney Jones of Danville, Calif., a two-year starter at the striker position for the Tar Heels.
TarHeelBlue.com: Now that you have played an entire season and won a National Championship, how have you prepared differently for this year than your freshman year?
Courtney Jones: Coming in as a freshman last year, my main concern was fitness. I knew I needed to pass those dreadful 10 120s before I would even get a chance to play. Coming into my sophomore year, I focused more on skill. I always tried to make sure I was getting enough touches on the ball and I really concentrated on shooting.
TarHeelBlue.com: After playing an important role in last year's run to the championship, do you feel any more added pressure this year than last?
Courtney Jones: There is a bit more added pressure but nothing that I am too concerned about. Last year, Casey carried our team with every game. We could always count on her to score when we were down. My job is to help Casey out and take some pressure off her back. There is always pressure when you are the returning champion, but our team handles that situation with class, and we all know there is a target on our backs.
TarHeelBlue.com: Starting as a freshman last year what would be your advice to this year's incoming freshmen to make the transition easier?
Courtney Jones: When you enter college, the hardest thing to realize is that you are not the best anymore. Every freshman coming in was among the top players in their state, and now they are a part of a program with 30 other amazing players that were all the best in their states. Even though that might be frustrating, it makes for the best competitive practice environment, a place where every player is pushed to her limits.>P>
TarHeelBlue.com: What is your favorite soccer memory? (It can be from college, high school, club, or even National Team experience.)
Courtney Jones: Without a doubt, winning the national championship last year! To be a part of something that big your first year of school is incredible.
TarHeelBlue.com: What is your favorite part about being a Tar Heel?
Courtney Jones: It's an honor to play every game wearing a Carolina Blue jersey, knowing the tradition and legacy this program and school holds.
TarHeelBlue.com: If you weren't playing soccer, what sport would you like to play in college?
Courtney Jones: If I had to chose, probably softball. I was a pitcher when I was younger, and I loved it.
TarHeelBlue.com: What is your favorite place to eat at UNC?
Courtney Jones: Franklin Street Pizza and Pasta. Penne with pink sauce is what I live on!
TarHeelBlue.com: What would be your advice to younger girls who want to be where you are playing soccer at Chapel Hill?
Courtney Jones: Build a love for the game of soccer and have fun. I know that sounds simple and a bit cliché, but there are a lot of girls who have played soccer all their lives and once they get to college, they are sick of it. If you love the game, you will never get tired of playing it, and you will always have fun.
TarHeelBlue.com: Who is the biggest role model who has helped you get to where you are today?
Courtney Jones: My dad has been a big role model for me. He played in the NFL for 13 years and has been through so much as an athlete. He can always give me advice because he knows exactly what I am going through.
