OneTeam2021

Battle-tested, perseverance and work ethic are adjectives that Mountaineer coaches use when describing their strongest student-athletes. A walking example of someone who fits the bill of all of the above is returning senior Mansfield University softball standout, Deshae Jones.

Jones, who will return for her second go-around at her senior season, has already added an Athletics Female Athlete of the Year, Most Improved Player, PSAC Scholar Athlete and University Creed award to her Mountaineer Athletics resume.

In four seasons with the softball program, Jones has never registered a batting average below .300 or on-base percentage below .350, while notching double-digit hit totals in every year.
 

Prior to having her senior season cut short due to COVID-19, Jones batted .353 notching 12 hits and two triples. Jones carried a .979 fielding percentage as the catalyst of the defense at shortstop.

Battling injuries in her early career, Jones put it all together as a junior where she started in all 31 of her appearances, batting .392 with a career-high 38 hits and .412 slugging percentage. The Camden, N.Y. native ranked fourth on the team and 13th in the PSAC for batting average, and fourth on the team and 19th in the conference in OBP (.444). Deshae's career year saw highs in hits (38), runs (15), RBI (10), SLG% (.412), walks (12), and OBP (.444), while playing in only three games which she didn't record a hit and ended the season on a nine-game hitting streak.
 

Jones is a well-rounded student-athlete and was honored as the Athletic Department's first ever University Creed award winner for culture. Jones has dedicated her Mountaineer career to helping others, while showcasing an outstanding GPA as a graphic design major. This winter (2019-20), Jones created the logo for the department's "Souls for Soles" campaign, where the athletic department donated refurbished shoes to countries in need.

Below is an interview with the MUSB team captain. As you read you will notice that Deshae went above and beyond to give the Athletic Communication office her all, as she does with all aspects of her collegiate career and life.

What does sports mean to you? / How has sports helped you grow into the person you have become?

A: Growing up I learned a lot of life lessons through sports that helped shape me into the person I am today.

I learned persistence – At the ripe young age of 10 there were a lot of times I wanted to give up. I was learning to bat left-handed, and it was difficult for me to get the hang of it. But despite my early struggles, I continued to work at it. Now, I would say I'm not too shabby as a left-handed hitter. Persistence my not predict success but giving up guarantees failure.
 

I learned commitment – In high school I had friends that were in higher grades than me. In the summer I played travel ball; every weekend from the end of school until the end of August I had a tournament. The majority were out of state. Summer was also the time when I would receive graduation party invites from my friends. Obviously, I wanted to attend. But I made a commitment, first, to play travel ball for the summer. Rather than abandon my team for a party, I got a gift for my friend, told her I wouldn't be able to make it and went to my tournament. My softball skills got stronger by playing against stronger opponents. I became a better softball player. Commitment can be the fuel that focuses our efforts.

I learned integrity – It was in sports that I learned not everyone shares the same values or principles, and that for some winning was everything. I was taught early the difference between playing "hard" and playing "dirty", and the importance of always playing "my" game. And it was through sports that I began to see the parallels between how players conducted themselves on and off the field. Consistency is key, but integrity IS everything.

I learned about attitude – Team sports also taught me the importance of attitude. I had some teammates that were always upbeat – while others quickly became deflated when on the losing end of a score. I saw how teammates with positive attitudes energized and inspired those around them. While positivity didn't guarantee winning, it sure made the 'games' much more enjoyable to play. Attitude is contagious – be careful wat you watch.

I learned teamwork – Playing team sports really opens your eyes to how important understanding the nature of your team, and your role in supporting your teammates is. For team sports WE > me. I learned how to push myself down and lift my team up. When the team comes first for everyone, winning becomes a lot easier. The strength of the team is each individual member, the strength of each member is the team.

I learned trust – In many sports trust is critical to success – whether trust in a teammate or in a coach. And in many sports a lack of trust in a teammate's ability to play his/her position results in others not being able to fully commit to theirs. Life is not an individual sport – trust is a must.

I learned accountability – When I participated in, or competed in any sport I did so with the support of others – such as my parents, coaches, and team mates – and it was through their support that I initially learned the importance of being accountable. There are many times when we need to invest 100% of our effort and energy despite nobody watching. Be accountable for the life you want – we get what we give.

I learned passion – While it is interest that gets many of us started in sports – it is passion that sustains us. I've played softball since I was 4 years old. I've played a lot of games and competed for many years. My passion for the sport allowed me to do so. Our full potential requires all our passion.

I learned fun – We often play games and sports as children because they're 'fun', and sometimes move onto different games or sports when we no longer enjoy them. I've been fortunate to have enjoyed a variety of sports and activities throughout my life and have learned that sometimes it isn't the game itself that is fun – but instead is our ability to have 'fun' playing it. Fun is sometimes more about the how than the what.

How has not playing sports during these difficult times been for you?

A: It has been difficult not playing sports. I grew up an active child. Sports kept me physically fit, socially involved, and mentally tough. Because I've been an athlete my whole life, being resilient is something I'm used to. I've learned to adapt to this new "normal". Instead of focusing on my sport, I've been focusing on myself and my future. COVID-19 has given me a lot of time to self-reflect; to think about what I want for my life outside of softball and school, as I am closing in on graduating and becoming "a real adult". Because of COVID-19 I have had many opportunities I might not have otherwise had. Although it seems as though the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.
 

What quote inspires you and is preparing you for a return-to-sports in your life?

A: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13