Beth Oppenheimer Jones
Class of 2003
Softball
 
Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology – Oneonta
Master of Physical Therapy – SUNY Upstate Medical University
 
Athletic Bio
Three-Time All-Region and All-SUNYAC
NCAA Tournament Team, 2001
Career Leader in Hits, Runs and Total Bases at Time of Induction
Two-Time Oneonta Female Athlete of the Year
Two-Time Academic All-American
 
Professional Bio
Physical Therapist at Raleigh Orthopaedics since 2006
 
Personal Reflections
When I first stepped foot onto Oneonta's campus I knew that this was the place for me.  I instantly fell in love with the campus and the town.  I met Coach Flew that day as well and felt like I had a family away from home.  Oneonta was my home for 4 years, and my softball team was my family.
 
Coach Flew was my coach for the first two years.  He was unlike any coach I had had before.  I remember having a few rough days during my sophomore season and Flew pulling me aside and saying, "Two billion Chinese could [care less] if you hit this ball." That motto has stuck with me through the years.  I learned to, "not sweat the small stuff," let things come but work at my hardest to do my best.  During those first two years I learned to be a collegiate softball player from the slew of "big sisters." I was one of four freshman my first year.  I carried a lot of equipment, rode in a falling apart Winnebago, but had the most fun I had ever had playing softball. My upper classman took me under their wings and guided me through life in college. I feel very strongly that it was because of these girls that I never had feelings of being homesick while I was away at school.
 
For my last two years, Denise Marchese was my coach.  In those two years I truly leaned how to be a leader.  She pushed me to be better than I even knew I could be both as a player and a person.  Her confidence in me created more confidence in myself.  I began to feel like I was a role model and not just a softball player.  These two years truly reaffirmed my love for softball and a need to be a part of a team.  I had fun playing as well as making memories with my teammates.  We had many laughs thinking of different pranks to play on Denise.  We painted her car, moved it to the opposite side of the parking lot when we knew she was out of town on a recruiting trip, and on multiple occasions we also "kidnapped" swee' pea.
 
During my four years at Oneonta, I wasn't just an athlete.  I was first and foremost a Student athlete.  I played because I loved the sport; I went to Oneonta because I wanted a future career.  I knew that if at any point my academics were compromised softball would have to go.  However, being a student athlete gave me the tools to succeed in school, grad school and life in general.  I had to learn time management, communication with superiors (teachers, coaches, bosses etc) and commitment.
My best academic semesters were those that I was in season.  I had to be on top of my coursework and studying.  I never had an issue with a professor because of softball.  I was in constant communication with them, I did my work on time and well and if there was a conflict I proved to them that I was dependable to get my work done.  Having to juggle so many things, really prepared me for life outside of college.
 
My success in my life as of now can all be traced back to my time at Oneonta.  I learned confidence, leadership, teamwork and overall hard work.  I wouldn't be where I am today without my Coaches, teammates, professor and friends.  I met my now husband at Oneonta and together we have two beautiful girls.  I try to instill in them that hard work, practice and more hard work will be the tools to be successful in life.
 
Jones, along with five former student athletes will be part of the 16^th SUNY Oneonta Athletics Hall of Fame class to be inducted on Saturday, Sep. 13.  This year's class will bring the number of inductees to 115 and eight Honorary.  The induction will take place in the Dewar Arena of the Alumni Field House and will begin at noon.  The induction is free and open to the public.