Meet the New Athletic Director at Maryvale Prep

Maryvale Prep welcomes Donald J. Jones, known to most as DJ, as the new Athletic Director. With a rich background in education, military service, and sports leadership, Jones brings energy, experience, and a deep belief in the mission of Great Hearts.

Jones grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and still carries the pride of his hometown with him. “I am a die-hard University of Louisville fan, no matter the sport,” he said. His mother and sister still live in Louisville, while he and his brother both left after high school for careers in the U.S. Army. His brother retired in Colorado and originally, he retired in New Mexico before moving to Phoenix.

Now settled in Arizona, Jones is a family man. “I am married with two sons, a dog, and a cat. My wife and I own a house in the White Mountains outside of Show Low along with our motorhome that we love taking to the beach.”

Jones received his start in academics during his military career. “I received my AS in Technology while still in the Army in 2008 from Pierce College in Lakewood, Washington,” he explained. “From there I enrolled in American Military University (AMU) in Charles Town, West Virginia and began work on my BS in sports and health sciences. I completed this degree shortly after retiring in 2014.” He went on to pursue his MS in sports management, earned a teaching certificate from Rio Salado College, and is currently finishing another master’s program with a minor in sports psychology.

Jones isn’t new to the Great Hearts community. “Before my break from teaching and education, I was a P.E. and science teacher, athletic coach and interim athletic director with Trivium Prep,” he said. “My time spent there is why I worked so hard to come back to a Great Hearts school and the Great Hearts family.”

When asked what drew him to Great Hearts, Jones didn’t hesitate. “My educational beliefs and values align with those of Great Hearts, teaching Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. I think as educators we owe so much more to our scholars than just test scores and information.” He highlighted how all areas of learning are connected. “If we love music, we need math to truly be in love with it and so on.”

His excitement about his new role at Maryvale Prep is clear. “Maryvale Prep has a lot of great things going for it right now. We have some programs that made the playoffs last season and some that did not do so well,” he said. “It excites me to continue the success of those programs in the playoffs, but also to work with those coaches and scholar-athletes to bring those other programs up and create a new standard athletically in this part of the valley.”

He sees his new role as a chance to inspire and elevate. “Creating more excitement around some programs while also continuing established successes. Also building relationships with my community partners and families.”

For Jones, athletics at Great Hearts is not just about competition. “I believe athletics at Great Hearts is the same as education. The X’s and O’s are not the focus. It is creating better young people ready to lead their communities tomorrow,” he said. “Using sports as the avenue to build confidence, decision making skills, and so on in tomorrow’s leaders today.”

Outside the athletics office, Jones has a few hobbies that help him relax and recharge. “I enjoy reading and working on Sudoku puzzles as a means of relaxation,” he shared. He and his wife love to travel, especially back to their mountain home or down to the beach in Rocky Point, Mexico.

And when it comes to family time, it’s all about fun. “As a family we love Marvel movies, Disneyland trips, the Phoenix Zoo, and really just hanging out together playing games and laughing.”

With his deep commitment to students, well-rounded background, and love of both academics and athletics, AD Jones is eager to support the Maryvale Prep community and help its programs flourish.

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Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/.