Warhill High School Star Commits to ODU Field Hockey

News Summary

Kaitlyn Jones, a junior at Warhill High School, has committed to play Division I field hockey for Old Dominion University starting in the 2027 season. Initially aiming for cheerleading, she found her passion in field hockey during middle school and has dedicated herself to the sport with rigorous training. Her commitment to the game and perseverance led her to attract the attention of collegiate programs, culminating in her recent agreement with ODU. Jones’s journey reflects the power of hard work and dedication, serving as an inspiration to young athletes in her community.

James City County, Virginia – Kaitlyn Jones, a promising junior at Warhill High School, has made headlines as she verbally commits to play Division I field hockey for the Old Dominion University Monarchs, beginning in the 2027 season.

Jones’s journey into the sport is unique; she originally intended to sign up for cheerleading. However, after picking up a field hockey stick for the first time in seventh grade at Toano Middle School, she quickly discovered her passion for the game. This newfound interest was ignited further after attending a summer camp at Christopher Newport University, where she caught the attention of a local club team. By the time she reached eighth grade, she demonstrated remarkable improvement, surprising both peers and coaches with her rapid skill development.

Her dedication to the sport is evident in her rigorous training regimen. Jones would wake up at 4:30 a.m. for daily runs and dedicated herself to hitting 100 balls every day, complementing her on-field practices with strength and conditioning workouts during the summer months. She aimed to elevate her game and bridge the skills gap she perceived between herself and her more experienced teammates.

In her freshman year at Warhill, Jones secured a place on the varsity field hockey team. While she initially faced challenges in gaining recognition and forming connections with the upperclassmen, her perseverance paid off in her sophomore year. During this period, she earned greater recognition within the local community and enjoyed a more positive experience with her teammates, further solidifying her commitment to the sport.

To showcase her skills and attract potential collegiate programs, Jones participated in various college clinics. It was during one of these events that she caught the attention of Old Dominion University’s coaching staff. On June 15, the NCAA’s designated recruiting day, she received her first recruitment email from ODU head coach Andrew Griffiths, who expressed interest in her not only as a player but also as a person. This supportive approach from Griffiths prompted Jones to commit to playing for the Monarchs shortly after their discussion.

As she prepares for her future at Old Dominion, Jones remains focused on her development as both a field hockey player and an individual. She has expressed her determination to continue enhancing her skills during her remaining years at Warhill High School. With a long-held aspiration of playing college field hockey now becoming a reality, she is committed to her training and aims to make a significant impact on the Monarchs in the forthcoming seasons.

Kaitlyn Jones’s story illustrates the power of hard work and dedication in pursuing one’s dreams. With her commitment to Old Dominion University, she opens a new chapter of her athletic career while serving as an inspiration to young athletes in her community.

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• WY Daily: Rising Warhill Junior Commits to ODU to Play Field Hockey
• Wikipedia: Field hockey
• Daily Press: Support Education in Williamsburg
• Google Search: education support williamsburg
• Kansas City Star: Local News
• Google Scholar: field hockey training
• Williamsburg Families: Sports Classes
• Encyclopedia Britannica: field hockey