Molly Jones excels on the ice and off the ice.

Playing the 2024-25 season for Team Colorado AAA, the Golden native recently committed to NCAA Division III New England College for the 2025-26 season.

NEC is located in Henniker, N.H., and Jones can’t wait to get there.

“I worked with Women’s College Hockey Recruiting and was randomly introduced to NEC pretty early on in my recruiting process,” Jones said. “After that, I was able to make it out to campus for a visit and met Coach (Mackenzie) Meegan. I absolutely loved the campus and academic programs offered at NEC. A few months later, I was offered a spot on the team and did an overnight visit where I got to meet a lot of the girls before deciding to ultimately commit there.

“Very few Division III programs offer kinesiology programs or other specific health science programs, so that was definitely a very appealing part of NEC. I also enjoy the fact that the classes at NEC are pretty small and allow students to build a stronger relationship with the staff. As for hockey, I was very impressed by the on-campus facilities and I really enjoy Coach Meegan’s coaching philosophy. I am very excited to be a part of the program and see how it grows throughout my collegiate career.”

In the classroom, Jones said academics have always been her top priority.

“I take pride in my academic performance,” she said. “Right now, I’m planning on getting a double major in biology and kinesiology.”

Back home, Jones’ hockey career began innocently enough.

“Originally, I was a figure skater, but my older brother played hockey,” Jones said. “I thought hockey was way better than figure skating so I begged my parents to switch. I started playing hockey with the Littleton Hockey Association.”

In addition to the Hawks and Team Colorado, Jones has also played for the Colorado 14ers.

“I have had a lot of amazing coaches, but Jeff Towle, Hannah Westbrook, and Karen Rickard have had such a positive impact on my hockey career,” said Jones. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

Going forward, it’s full steam ahead for Jones.

“I hope to become a valuable player at NEC and contribute to the success of that program,” Jones said. “I also want to finish off my senior year at TC strong and hopefully play at nationals. As for school and life, I hope to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in both biology and kinesiology and, hopefully, attend medical school after to become a physician or physical therapist.”

Photo/Be Feral Photography

— Matt Mackinder

(November 16, 2024)