Courtesy Photo | FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii -Spc. Chastoni Jones, a supply support specialist with...... read more read more
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii-U.S. Army Spc. Chastoni Jones, a supply support specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, fulfills a dream, Sept. 10, 2014, by earning a spot on the 2014 All-Army Women’s Softball Team.
“I have been playing softball since I was 5 years old,” shares Jones. “I received many awards in high school, such as the 2005 and 2007 [most valuable player] of the year and first team all infielder 2005, 2006, 2007.” I received a softball scholarship to Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, La., from which I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Public Relations.”
After graduating with her chosen degree, Jones made the decision to enlist in the United States Army.
“An old teammate from high school who had played on the All-Army Softball Team for four years suggested that I should put my packet in,” said Jones. “I thought why not, so I did.”
Even with her seasoned experience, making the team was not an easy task but Jones refused to be defeated.
“I had tried out last year and didn't make the last cut,” she explains. “Getting cut last year only added fire to my flames. I worked harder. Got stronger and became more focused. I prepared myself for what I knew I had to do this time around.”
“There were 85 females, including myself, from throughout the Army - Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard, who submitted their application packets for review,” she said. “The packets were vetted using prior experience, number of years played and previous coaches’ recommendations.”
“Out of the 85 females, only 25 were selected to attend the trial training camp in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa.”
This camp was nearly four weeks long and was intended to help push the athletes to be the best that they could be and earn them a position on the team.
“The trial camp was three and a half weeks long,” Jones explains. “The camp consisted of morning gym workouts, yoga, two practices per day with a double header each night during the week. We played in tournaments on the weekends (located in New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia).”
“Each week the coach would make cuts based off of the double headers and tournaments played.”
For Jones, the counseling sessions where she would receive her fate were exciting and stressful.
“After each tournament, everyone was on edge because that is when the cuts were made,” she said. “The coaching staff gave each player counselings to let you know where you stood, where you needed to be and what you needed to improve on.”
“It was my turn, I sat down. I was extremely nervous. Both coaches looked at me and said ‘Jones, you have no worries. You have been busting your butt on and off the field....You are on the team.’”
“I can’t even really explain the feeling I had at that moment.”
By the last week of camp, selections were complete and a team consisting of 15 female Soldiers emerged. This was the team, Jones positioned as an outfielder, which would be representing the Army in the Armed Forces Tournament at Ft. Sill, Okla., to compete against the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.
“After I made the team, I was happy but I knew my mission wasn't complete just yet,” shared Jones. “I knew I had accomplished my goal of making the team, but my overall goal was to bring back the gold medal and continue to help my teammates through a successful season.”
The team earned a silver medal, second place, at the conclusion of the Armed Forces Tournament.
Jones was still happy with the overall experience. She would recommend to all Soldiers interested in participating in the All-Army Sports Program to take advantage of the opportunity.
“It was a journey like no other,” said Jones. “The ladies and gentlemen who came before us, set a high standard for us to match and exceed, but don’t be afraid, try it, give it all you have.”
| Date Taken: | 10.29.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 10.30.2014 22:19 |
| Story ID: | 146643 |
| Location: | FORT SHAFTER, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 29 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Sea Dragon makes the All-Army Women’s Softball Team 2014, by Kimberly Menzies, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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