We had the pleasure of speaking with Sophia Jones, a standout midfielder on the SUNY Brockport Golden Eagles Field Hockey team. Jones recently earned All-Conference Second Team honors following a strong season as a lockdown midfielder for the Green and Gold, where she consistently made an impact on the defensive end while contributing offensively. Throughout her career at SUNY Brockport, Jones has maintained a strong presence on both sides of the field. Known for her defensive intensity and ability to control the midfield, Jones has also created numerous scoring opportunities for Brockport. We asked Jones a series of questions to gain insight into topics such as team culture, balancing life as a student-athlete, and more.

Below you will find the interview we conducted with Sophia Jones for our Alumni Newsletter.
 

Personal Introduction

Can you introduce yourself—your name, major, hometown, and what year you are on the team?
"Sophia Jones, sport management, Akron, NY, junior"

Why Brockport?
"I chose Brockport because I wanted to continue my dream of playing field hockey in college. Brockport is close to home for me and immediately felt at home when I visited"


What made you choose SUNY Brockport, and what do you love most about being part of this program?
"I chose SUNY Brockport because of its excellent academic programs as well as athletic programs. I love the supportive community from professors, coaches, and my peers. Brockport is a very close-knit community and makes me feel at home."

Team Culture

How would you describe your team's culture?
"We all value one another's effort and hold each other accountable. We are all committed to learning, growth, and resilience on and off the field. As teammates, we celebrate each other's success and stay together through challenges."


What makes being part of this group special?
"Everyone is working toward the same goals, whether it's winning games, building culture, or supporting the community. We are more than teammates, we are each other's friends, mentors, and support system. Each person pushes the other to improve; discipline and resilience thrive."

Memorable Moment

What has been your most memorable moment as a Golden Eagle —on or off the field?
"My favortie memory so far has been on the bus ride home from an away game. The team took turns singing karaoke and we all laughed and had a great time."

Balancing It All

How do you balance academics, athletics, and your life outside of sports?
"I rely on my planner to structure a clear schedule for academics and athletics. Academics always come first, and I treat athletics as an extension of my education. They both require discipline and focus. Outside of academics and field hockey, I love hanging out with my friends, focusing on my nutrition and rest. This keeps me energized and balanced."

Leadership & Growth

In what ways have you grown as a student-athlete during your time at Brockport?
"I have grown up through advocating myself in times of need in both academics and athletics. I learned that even though things may get hard, I learned to persevere and stay strong in the goals that I have set for myself. Over the past 3 years my confidence has grown, and I learned to find my voice and that change is good."

Behind-the-Scenes Look

What's something fans or alumni might be surprised to learn about your team's routines, traditions, or preparation?
"One thing that makes being part of our group special is the unique traditions and routines that bring us closer together. Fans and alumni might be surprised to learn that our preparation goes beyond drills and practice. We have game-day playlists full of hype songs and throwbacks and chants and even quirky celebrations after wins that only teammates know. These behind-the-scenes rituals create a strong bond, keep the energy high, and make our team culture feel like a family."

Looking Ahead

What are your goals for the rest of the year—academically, athletically, or personally?
"I want to continue to pursue my degree in sport management with minors in coaching and communication. Athletically I want to continue to grow my knowledge of field hockey as well as staying focused in the weight room. Personally, I want to push myself more to get out of my comfort zone and try new things and hobbies."
 

Message to Alumni

What would you like to share with Brockport alumni who continue to support Golden Eagle Athletics?
"I want to thank all the alumni for the incredible support they continue to give Golden Eagle Athletics. Their dedication helps us compete at our highest level, but more importantly, it reminds us that we're part of something bigger than ourselves. Every cheer, donation, and word of encouragement strengthens our culture and inspires us to carry forward the traditions built and to stay humble. Being part of this program is special because we know we're not just representing our current team; we're honoring those who came before us and paving the way for those who will follow."