Forest Green Rovers women’s captain Hattie Jones reached 50 appearances for the club in her return since rejoining the side in January 2020.
Jones went to the USA on a scholarship when she was 18 to Indian Hills Community College to play in the NCJAA Division One but was forced to return when COVID-19 struck.
“When I returned to FGR after graduating from university and not being able to play through COVID, it was a nice surprise to be made captain.
“It was kind of like a full circle moment, where 10 years before I was edging my way into the first team as a 16/17-year-old, and was returning as a more confident, capable footballer after my time away.”
The returnee made her 50th appearance during an emphatic 5-1 victory over Bishop’s Lydeard in the Regional South West League.
Jones admitted to struggling to adapt to the UK, “Coming back from America was always going to be an adjustment, but coming back early due to COVID and then not even getting to walk for my graduation was something I’d not imagined.
“It was hard, being with my friends and teammates 24/7 at university to then being all alone back in my childhood home with my mum and dad.
“It was isolating in some ways, but I also reflect on how much time I was able to spend with them both after living abroad for 4 years.”
Jones won Forest Green Rovers women’s player of the year last season with an outstanding eight goals in 14 appearances.
Jones opened up about feeling unsure about the future of her playing career after the pandemic put a holt on it.
“When I came back from university, I didn’t really know what football would look like for me.
“I knew friends at Forest Green so I decided to head to the trials with minimal expectation or pressure. At that point, I didn’t realise how much I would grow to love the team and the environment!”
Forest Green Rovers women’s head coach Louise Fensome credited her captain with being a great team player.
“She is a true leader and shows her leadership on and off the pitch. She sets the tone for the entire team, fostering a sense of unity and determination.
“Hattie’s ability to inspire her teammates through her dedication, skill, and positive attitude makes her an ideal captain. She communicates effectively, ensuring that everyone understands their roles and feels motivated to give their best effort.”
On her milestone, the captain continued, “Playing 50 games for FGR over the last few years has been easy, and what makes it so, is the special group of women I’ve been alongside on the pitch across the seasons.
“We’ve had players come and go, but every single one of us has always shared the same goal which has been to work hard for each other and to just enjoy it.
“I’m proud to be the captain of a great team, and I hope for 50 more appearances!”
