Athletic Director of the Year

Chandler Prep Athletic Director, Anthony Jones, recently congratulated the academy in an open email for receiving the 2A South Region Sportsmanship Award, which is voted on by the region and given to the school who demonstrated the best sportsmanship throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons. While Jones went on to commend all the coaches, players, and parents for this accomplishment, he failed to mention that he was also voted 2A South Region Athletic Director of the Year.

Assistant Athletic Director, Zachary Gurule, isn’t surprised that Jones left out this achievement and said he doesn’t like the extra attention. “I have only been here the past year but after watching how much work and effort he puts into his school and community, it is obviously a well-deserved award and I couldn’t think of a better winner for the award,” said Gurule.

Jones himself was reluctant to make any acceptance speeches. “It’s great to be honored like that but I also know how hard all the other ADs in my region work, so it’s an award that could have gone to any of us, in my mind.” However, the vote was unanimous to honor Jones out of seven athletic directors in the region. “I’m just a reflection of all my coaches, so I feel like all my coaches doing what they’re supposed to is a good reflection of me, and then obviously my Assistant Athletic Director, Zach, he does a great job, too. Me winning an award is just a reflection of all those people and all the work they did to make me look good,” said Jones.

Jon Rickey, Arizona Network Director of Athletics, thinks Jones was the perfect choice for the title. “He guides a very large and robust athletic department, and a successful one as well. Anthony was named his region chair this year, and has helped in guiding his region in meetings, region voting, as well as acting region chair for Football and Soccer for the last two years. He is well respected and well-liked in the athletic director community, and in the coaching community as well! He is always willing to help and does a lot for his community and the other Great Hearts schools.”

In addition to being the AD, Jones is also the Head Varsity Volleyball Coach. “[He] has been my coach for five years now, and he’s been the best coach I’ve ever had,” said Chandler Prep Junior, Juliet Mason. “We always start off practicing the same way, which is one of my favorite parts about practice. Before Jones was my coach, and athletic director, he was my teacher. He taught me math and it was one of the best classes I’ve ever had. He’s honestly an amazing coach, and I can’t be more thankful for everything he’s done for me on and off the court.”

Another Junior, Creon Fulgham, agrees that Jones deserves this honor. “He put in the effort to win this award, even if it wasn’t his intention. Coach Jones has always been a good friend and athletic director. He always kept us in mind and joked around with us when the time called for it. In the serious moments where things became competitive, he would always keep us levelheaded and hype us up if needed.

Sophomore Lailani Hall loves his coaching style. “He knows when to get things done and when to have fun. He pushes us and wants the best for us,” said Hall. “When he can see we are struggling he will pull us aside and help us through things. Not only does he care about everyone athletically but also academically. He has taught me perseverance and compassion.  He was the first coach I had that I felt like pushed me.  I look forward to playing for him in my next couple years of high school. Not only does he provide a shoulder to lean on, he provides a listening ear. I am very thankful for Jones.

Perhaps the fact that Jones is a reluctant recipient of this title makes him even more deserving. While he humbly deflects his accomplishment to the efforts of others, it is clear that he has touched many lives through his leadership and his coaching. Congratulations Mr. Jones, 2A South Region Athletic Director of the Year.

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