Vickie Jones

Class of 2022 alumna discusses playing Division I soccer

By Shadhana Saud

For four years at AHS, class of 2022 alumna Vickie Jones was a focal point of the girls varsity soccer team. After a decorated Jones for three years but has known her for over six years now. Although the recruitment process is done mostly through club programs, career at both AHS and on her club team, Santa Rosa United, Jones has just finished her freshman season on one of the biggest possible stages, playing Division I soccer at University of Michigan.

“It’s been different coming from a small school like Arroyo to a really big school like Michigan and knowing that everybody is elite and the best of the best here.” Jones said.

Since the age of four, soccer has always resonated with Jones. Before graduating from AHS in 2022, Jones played on the varsity girls soccer team all four years of her high school career. Jones decided to pursue soccer beyond high school and is one of few AHS soccer players to receive a Division 1 scholarship after graduating. She currently plays for the University “In high school it of Michigan in the Big Ten Conference, one of the largest in collegiate was more about athletics. Jones claims that having fun, here it coming into a new team is not easy, especially is a different level when most of the girls already have history and of fun.” Vickie are familiar with one another. It has also been a challenge for Jones Jones said. adapting to a different sense of competitiveness. However, Jones expresses happiness with how she’s getting along with her new teammates and how she’s been able to adapt.

“It has definitely been something that is new. It’s really hard walking into a group of girls and a team that already know each other and already have chemistry, and are also some of the top players in the country.” Jones said. “It was very hard adjusting but I think overall, I do very well at adapting and figuring out things on my own and being independent, so that helped me out a lot.” Jones adds.

Managing academics while being an athlete is not an easy thing to do. Jones is currently facing a lot of the stress that comes with being a student athlete. However, in times of stress, Jones manages through the time she gets alone and finds motivation by keeping in contact with her roots.

“A lot of the time here, I don’t have a lot of time by myself since I am a student athlete. So, if I do find that time, I find that really helpful. I would say what helps me stay motivated is talking to my family and friends and knowing why I’m doing this in the first place.” Jones said.

Jones describes her former coach and former AHS athletics director, Andrew Waranoff, as a huge mentor in her life. Waranoff coached Waranoff was a great support system for Jones and continues to be as she tackles the highs and lows of playing college soccer. “I was really excited for her when she had events to go to and did her college visits. My wife is an alumni so when Vickie started getting recruited by UM, it became a family affair for us.” Waranoff said. “As a highschool coach, my job was mostly to stand behind her and share the excitement. My role with Vickie was more being her number one cheerleader.” Waranoff adds. On and off the field, former teammates described Jones as motivating and driven. Junior Madelyn Ramos played alongside Jones last school year and says that Jones set a good example by doing her best, which positively rubbed off onto the rest of the team as well. “Something I learned from her [Jones] is that you should always practice hard because the way you practice is the way you play.” Ramos said. The AHS girls soccer season has kicked off and Jones is a huge advocate for enjoying yourself and having fun. She stresses the importance of working together as a team and making the most of the experience and not dwelling on the little things. “I would say have the most fun and don’t worry about anything that’s putting you down.” Jones said. “But I think just having fun, going out, doing your best, and working hard is all a coach can ask for and what your teammates can ask from you.”

University of Michigan

freshman and AHS class of 2022 alumna Vickie Jones passes the ball during a game in the 2022 season.

Photo courtesy of Vickie Jones