He quickly steals the ball and drives it down the field. Determination and skill resonate with every step. He kicks the ball precisely, sending it spinning through the air and straight into the goal. The crowd breaks the silence and goes wild.

Senior Matthew Jones is playing his sixth and final year as a Falcon soccer player. Although this is his final year, Jones will leave a legacy of merit on the field.

Jones has been playing for Saint Stephen’s since seventh grade and for club since he was four years old.

“It’s such a beautiful yet simple game that fascinates me. I used to love watching players like Thierry Henry and Ronaldinho, who would create magical goals with their imagination and unbelievable skill,” Jones said.

He said that because of those players, he was inspired to keep on playing soccer.

Mr. Scott Hertrick, assistant coach for the varsity soccer team, said there are multiple traits that make Jones stand out.

“He touches the ball more than anyone else, makes more tackles and wins more headers than anyone else. He is the engine that drives the team,” Hertrick said.

Hertrick said that what sets Jones apart is his willingness to work in the face of adversity.

“He is a player who thrives when things are at their most difficult, and he never flinches, no matter how difficult the road may be ahead of him,” he said.

Jones’ love for soccer was inspired by his father, who is also his coach. His dad has been his coach and soccer mentor since the age of six.

“His confidence and belief in me has always helped me achieve my own personal goals,” he said.

Before each game, Jones said, he talks with his dad for some worthy advice.

“Although the message is almost always the same, it’s nice to have him reminding me, ‘Quick feet, head on a swivel, try your best and have fun,’” he said.

Jones said he appreciates not just the physical, but also mental nuances of the game.

“Soccer is a sport where you have to continually be engaged both mentally and physically. It’s like playing chess, you have to continually outsmart your opponent by thinking a few moves ahead of them,” he said.

He said soccer has taught him several valuable life lessons, of which the most important component is friendship.

“In soccer, your team becomes your family. It’s a selfless sport where the best teams aren’t always the ones with the best players, but rather [have] the best team chemistry,” he said.

With soccer taking up most of his time, Jones has to manage his schoolwork, a challenge he is glad to accept.

Jones said the sport has helped him with time management skills and has made him a harder worker.

Mr. Bernie Yanelli, a history teacher and the assistant varsity soccer coach, described Jones as an excellent student who shows energy and enthusiasm on the soccer field, as well as in the classroom.

“He’s a strong leader, so other players look up to him in the soccer field. In the classroom, he’s a very thoughtful young man and thinks before he speaks,” he said.

Jones’ younger sister, Freshman Emma Jones, said she really looks up to her brother.

“He taught me a lot of lessons about hard work, commitment and never giving up. Through practice, anything can be achieved and you [have] to persevere,” she said.

With the winter sports season starting, Jones said he hopes to see the team advance.

“Since this is my last year as a Saint Stephen’s Falcon, an undefeated season and a state title would be nice. With the motivated team that we have, it is a goal that I believe we can achieve,” he said.