SOCCER: JONES SIGNS WITH GARDNER-WEBB

PRESS RELEASE – Josiah Jones, one of Guam’s most recognizable homegrown goalkeeping talents across Guam’s National Teams and in domestic leagues, is set to make his mark at the intercollegiate level following his acceptance into Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.

“My personal goal in football is to play at the highest level obtainable for me,” said Jones, reigning MVP of the Interscholastic Boys High School Football League. “I enjoy challenging myself and becoming the best player possible. I also dreamt of accepting a call-up to the Matao, Guam National Team, and representing Guam in major tournaments, like FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

“Previously playing for Guam on various National Teams will undoubtedly help me play in college, especially through my understanding of managing the workload, the responsibility, and having the mindset that comes with representing the island. I have done research and watched film of the university team and I believe I fit into their playing style,” Jones added. 

The Gardner-Webb University Runnin’ Bulldogs compete in the Big South Conference of NCAA Division I. In 2024, the conference’s No. 2 ranked team upset No. 1 High Point University 2-1 to win the conference title and earn its place in the 2024 College Cup tournament, according to the Big South Conference Web site. In the NCAA Division I tournament, the Runnin’ Bulldogs defeated Oregon St. 1-0 in the first round, before falling to No. 3 Denver 3-0 in the second round. No. 3 Denver went on to the tournament’s semifinal round, losing to eventual National Champions Vermont, according to the NCAA Web site.

“I am incredibly proud of Josiah as he embarks on this exciting new chapter with Gardner-Webb University,” said Ross Awa, Guam Football Association Technical Director and Head Coach of the Matao, Guam Men’s National Team. “Josiah’s journey from representing Guam at every level, from U13 to the senior national team demonstrates his dedication, talent and perseverance. Throughout his development, Josiah has utilized the resources afforded to our players by the Guam Football Association to reach this significant milestone in his football career. 

“As his coach, I have witnessed firsthand his growth both as a player and a person, and I am confident he will continue to excel at the NCAA Division I level. I wish Josiah all the best as he continues to make his family and Guam proud on the international stage and beyond,” added Awa.

Jones first experienced the goalkeeping position at the U13 level after filling in for an injured teammate, sparking his interest in the specialized position on the pitch. Jones’ natural all-around talent for the sport was honed at GFA’s former Center of Excellence and Goalkeeping Academy at a young age before he matriculated into Guam’s youth national program. 

At 16 years old, Jones was called up to Guam’s U23 National Team for a tournament in Saipan and the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2024 Qualifiers in Vietnam in September 2023. One month later, one of three goalkeeper spots opened on the Matao roster for Guam’s home match of the FIFA World Cup 26 Qualifiers of the Asian Zone against Singapore, where Jones accepted the call-up and suited up for the team. 

In September last year, Jones was called up to Guam’s U20 National Team for the AFC U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Vietnam. Jones was most recently called up for the Matao for the EAFF E-1 Championship Preliminary Round in Hong Kong in December 2024.

Jones started playing football in the Triple J Auto Group Robbie Webber Youth League at the U6 level, playing first for Crushers FC and then for the Bank of Guam Strykers FC. Jones also played in Guam’s top flight men’s league, now the Budweiser G-League, for Crushers FC, NAPA Rovers FC, Sidekick SC, and most recently, the Bank of Guam Strykers FC. Jones also played in the Interscholastic Boys High School Football League for the Harvest Christian Academy Eagles, winning MVP honors in his final season, as well as All-Island First Team Goalkeeper.

Jones is the son of Jeffrey and Jane Jones of Barrigada, and the youngest of their five children. Josiah Jones plans to major in cybersecurity at Gardner-Webb University.