Softball player named 2021 NJCAA Division II Third Team All-American
Recent HFC alumna/softball player Moya Jones had a super season and continues to receive post-season honors and accolades. She was recently named a 2021 NJCAA Division II Third Team All-American.
“I was often the only or one of very few African-American players on all the teams I’ve played on and tournaments I’ve been in,” said Jones, of Farmington Hills. “For me, to be the first African-American All-American from HFC is an incredible feeling.”
Jones also earned the following honors:
- NJCAA Region XII All-Region/All-MCCAA Team
- MCCAA First Team All-Eastern Conference
- MCCAA Player of the Year
- First place in the MCCAA for home runs (23)
- Fifth place in the NJCAA for home runs (23)
- First place for slugging percentage (1.146) and double-plays (9)
“It’s such an amazing feeling to be honored out of all the talented players in the United States. Everyone knew I had the potential to make it. Assistant Coach Charles Green, in particular, always told me that I had everything it took to become an All-American. I’m glad I was able to accomplish it,” said Jones.
The HFC Softball Team, under the leadership of Coach Steve Brown was the MCCAA Eastern Conference Champion this season. Brown was named MCCAA Softball Coach of the Year.
“I’m very proud of Moya,” said Brown. “I’ve been coaching for 37 years, and I’ve never seen anyone have a season like her. She had 23 home runs, 17 stolen bases, and a batting average of .515 – that’s crazy! She was the fifth in the nation with 23 home runs. She had 130 at-bats (ABs). The No. 1 in the nation had 29 home runs with 233 ABs. Do the math.”
“Softball has always been my outlet”
A 2018 alumna of Harrison High School in Farmington Hills, Jones attended HFC on a softball scholarship. She recently earned her associate degree in general studies. This fall, Jones will transfer to Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC – which she will attend on a softball scholarship – and study business administration.
The second of four children, Jones always excelled in sports. Besides softball, she has also played basketball and volleyball. However, softball, which she has played since she was 6, is her first love.
“I’ve always had a love for the game and just stuck with it,” said Jones. “Softball has always been my outlet, a place where I felt like I could be myself. I met some amazing people along the way.”
Making the grade
By her own admission, Jones has come a long way during her time at HFC – as both a Hawk and as a student. She didn’t always get the best grades, particularly in high school.
“During my time at HFC, Coach Brown made sure that I prioritized academics first and then softball,” she said. “I enjoyed playing for Coach Brown. Hands down, he’s one of my favorite coaches of all time. We had our ups and downs, but I know it was all out of love, and he for sure taught me a lot. We created an amazing bond over the years. He’s like a father to me. Coach Brown was named Coach of the Year and most definitely deserved it.”
Brown is proud of Jones' accomplishments on and off the field.
“Moya really come into her own as a student and as a player at HFC,” said Brown. “I’m proud of her. I had fun watching her play. She had an amazing season.”
“We’re champions!”
Jones mentioned she could not have made it this far without the love and support of her mother, who is her No. 1 fan, as well as Brown, Green, and Brown’s cousin Jordan Venius. In fact, Venius informed Brown about Jones’ athletic ability.
“They gave me a chance when no one else would,” she said. “The HFC softball team has come up from the bottom. We went from losing nearly every game to becoming conference champs. I’m glad to say that I helped carry us to victory and put us back on the map. When people hear about HFC softball, they add more respect to our name now. We are no longer the losing team. We’re champions.”