Dayton Dutch Lions News Release - www.daytondutchlionsfc.com
Monday, March 24, 2014
DAYTON, Ohio – Shan Jones, the 2014 W-League Most Valuable Player and a former Middle Tennessee State standout, has signed with the Dayton Dutch Lions for the 2014 W-League season.
"Any time 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 said. “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 points (24) and goals (11). Her success in 2013 landed her a professional contract in Austria with Luv Graz, where she played from August to November, 2013.
Jones also played three seasons with Welsh side Caernarfon Ladies FC, being named Player of the Year in 2007.
"I am delighted to be a part of the W-League for a second year running,” Jones said. “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 also had the honor of representing her country in the 2013 Algarve Cup.
At Middle Tennessee State 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).