Kenny Jones: Champion, Mentor and Honored Coach
22 Years of Soccer Success
Photo Illustration of Coach Kenny Jones. Photo Courtesy ASHOD GARDIN
By ASHOD GARDIN/Contributor
As the only head coach of The University of Texas at Tyler men’s soccer program for over two decades, Kenny Jones has had a career marked by dedication and unprecedented successes.
Jones recently completed his 22nd season in 2023. The Patriots have a 236-96-54 overall record since his first season in 2002.
His teams claimed American Southwest Conference championships in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2015. They advanced to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III National Tournament in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2017 during 15 seasons, competing at the Division III level before moving to Division II.
In 2003, his team was the national champions of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association before transitioning into the NCAA.
Jones has been honored as Coach of the Year six times, the most recent in 2021 when he was Lone Star Conference Co-Coach of the Year.
Kenny Jones coaches during a men’s soccer game. Photo Courtesy UT Tyler Sports Information.
RELATIONSHIP WITH PLAYERS
Perhaps one of Jones’ most significant contributions has been mentoring players. He has coached 10 All-American selections and 26 All-Region selections. An impressive 21 players have received various All-Conference Player of the Year accolades during his tenure.
Jones said he has always been more about developing players than winning trophies.
“I think the growth part for me has been trying to take the guys from where they were and grow them and not compromise on things that are always going to be constant like effort and discipline,” he said.
He insists that hard work and effort always pay off.
“Regardless of your skill and the circumstances you’re in, if you can apply those things, you can go beyond where you may naturally land,” he said.
Jones continues to earn the respect of his players.
“His principles as a coach would be my favorite thing about him, Thato Meko, a forward at UT Tyler said. “He’s strong-hearted and prioritizes his beliefs over everything.”
Middlefielder Craig Chisolm said Jones is helping him be a better person.
“I’d say the best quality about him is his drive to succeed,” Chisholm said. “He has high standards and pushes us to be better.”
Jones said he has always tried to make a difference in his players lives.
“The big things that motivate me now is seeing and hearing from our alumni how their time here has helped them,” he said.
DEVELOPING A PROGRAM
Jones’ journey to UT Tyler was preceded by a tenure as head coach at the University of Dallas. From 1999 to 2001, he compiled a 23-26-6 record. At the University of Dallas, he held the titles for most wins and highest winning percentage for both a single season and full tenure.
When he learned UT Tyler was starting a men’s soccer program, he applied for the job.
“At the time, I thought a new challenge would be good and Tyler at the time was more similar to the town (in Arkansas) where I grew up,” he said.
He had to build the program from scratch.
“In our first year, we were still trying to figure things out,” Jones said. “Starting a program is all about building systems, we did the best with what we had.”
DECADES OF SUCCESS
He created a winning tradition.
- In the 2011 season, the team finished with a 18-3-2 record.
- In 2012, the team placed third in the American Southwest Conference East and qualified for the ASC tournament for the third straight season and fifth time in six seasons.
- In 2013, the Patriots, reached the ASC championship final and concluded a 10-3-5 overall record and 7-2-1 conference mark. The team ranked in the top five for points, shots, goals and goals-per-game and second in fewest goals allowed.
- In, 2015 the Patriots had a 10-3-3 overall record, 7-0-1 record in conference, and claimed the ASC regular season championship.
- In 2016, the team went 10-6-2 and made it to the ASC Semifinals.
- In 2017, the Patriots achieving an 11-4-3 record and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament.
Moving from NCAA Division III to Division II play in 2018 presented new challenges of Jones. The Patriots finished with a 12-1-2 record but were not eligible for playoffs as a team in the division transition period.
The patriots moved to the Lone Star Conference in 2019 and went 7-7-3. A highlight was a 2-0 victory over No. 20 Texas A&M International. It was their first win over a Division II nationally ranked opponent.
In 2021, the Patriots secured three consecutive 1-0 wins, including a victory over nationally ranked St. Mary’s. The team clinched a spot in the spring LSC Men’s Soccer Championships with an overtime golden goal against Dallas Baptist in the home finale.
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