Washington, D.C., October 16, 2025
News Summary
Craig Jones has announced his resignation as head coach of the George Washington University men’s soccer team after a successful 14-season tenure. Under his leadership, the team achieved notable successes including an Atlantic 10 regular season championship and multiple academic accolades. Jones emphasized both sports performance and academic excellence, contributing significantly to the program’s reputation. As the search for his successor begins, the university reflects on his impactful legacy in fostering a competitive yet academically responsible soccer program.
Washington, D.C. – Craig Jones will step down as the head coach of George Washington University’s men’s soccer team after 14 seasons, concluding a significant tenure marked by academic and athletic achievements. The announcement comes as the current season comes to a close, and a national search for his successor will commence immediately, led by Associate AD Chris Hennelly.
Jones, who became head coach on November 17, 2011, after serving as an assistant coach, guided the team to an Atlantic 10 regular season championship in 2015. For his efforts, he was recognized as the A-10 Coach of the Year. Throughout his career, GW produced 17 All-Conference honorees, including six first-team selections, demonstrating the competitive nature of his squads.
Under Jones’ guidance, the team not only excelled on the field but also in academics, as he emphasized the importance of maintaining a rigorous academic standard. This commitment led the program to win five NSCAA Team Academic Awards for maintaining a team GPA of 3.0 or higher. In the 2012-13 season, the team’s GPA peaked at 3.25, placing them 30th among Division I programs. He also mentored two CoSIDA Academic All-District First Team selections and several A-10 All-Academic Team honorees during his time at the helm.
Jones expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach at his alma mater, highlighting the support he received from his family, including his wife Liz and their children: Cerys, Dylan, and Seren. The director of athletics, Michael Lipitz, praised Jones for his dedication as a representative of both the university and the local soccer community, reflecting on the impact he made during his years of service.
Prior to his coaching career, Jones was a standout player for the Colonials, earning four letters while playing from 1995 to 1998. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science in 1999. His history with the program as both a player and coach has fostered deep connections with current and past players, as well as the broader university community.
The departure of Craig Jones marks the end of an era for the GW men’s soccer team. His leadership exemplified a balance of competitive spirit and academic responsibility that has set a foundation for future generations of players. As the search begins for a new head coach, the program hopes to find someone capable of continuing this legacy of excellence both on and off the field.
FAQ
Who is stepping down as head coach of GW men’s soccer?
Craig Jones will step down as the head coach of George Washington University’s men’s soccer team after 14 seasons.
What achievements did Craig Jones accomplish during his tenure?
During his tenure, Jones led the team to an Atlantic 10 regular season championship in 2015 and received the A-10 Coach of the Year award.
How did the team perform academically under Craig Jones?
Jones emphasized academic excellence, leading to five NSCAA Team Academic Awards for maintaining a team GPA of 3.0 or higher. The team’s GPA reached 3.25 in the 2012-13 season, ranking 30th among Division I programs.
What is the next step for the men’s soccer program at GW?
A national search for the next head coach of GW men’s soccer will commence immediately, led by Associate AD Chris Hennelly.
Key Features of Craig Jones’ Tenure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coaching Tenure | 14 seasons as head coach |
| Awards and Achievements | A-10 regular season championship (2015), A-10 Coach of the Year |
| Academic Accomplishments | Five NSCAA Team Academic Awards, team GPA of 3.25 in 2012-13 |
| All-Conference Players | 17 All-Conference honorees, including six first-team selections |
| Background | Former player at GW, graduated in 1999 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
George Washington University Men’s Golf Team Sets New Records
George Washington University Men’s Soccer Suffers Setback
George Mason University Women’s Soccer Team Secures Victory
George Washington University Water Polo Team Faces Tough Challenges
Additional Resources
- GW Sports: Craig Jones to Step Away
- Wikipedia: George Washington University
- GW Sports: Jackie Calla Named Head Coach
- Google Search: George Washington University Sports
- GW Sports: Softball Adds Assistant Coaches
- Google Scholar: Craig Jones George Washington University
- GW Sports: Chico Rego Coaching Profile
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Men’s Soccer
- Fordham Sports: Men’s Soccer Blanks GW
- Google News: Craig Jones Men’s Soccer
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
