St. Mary’s Ryken High School is pleased to announce Charles “CJ” Jones as the new Head Coach of the Softball program.
LEONARDTOWN, Md. – Coach Jones brings a proven record of success, more than a decade of coaching experience, and a passion for developing young women both on and off the field. He has been coaching a highly competitive travel softball team since 2019, currently under the VA Glory Softball Organization, and holds an impressive 193-85-11 record, leading the team to more than 20 tournament championships, including two national titles.
In addition to his travel coaching experience, Coach Jones has spent the past five years as an assistant coach at Calvert Middle School, helping guide the program to four championship appearances in five seasons while emphasizing player development, teamwork, and academic success.
“We’re excited to welcome Coach Jones to St. Mary’s Ryken,” said Principal Tom Campbell. “His passion for mentoring student-athletes, commitment to building a championship culture, and extensive experience developing high-level softball players make him an outstanding leader for our program. We’re excited for the future of Knights Softball under his leadership.”
Coach Jones said his first priority is creating an environment where every student-athlete feels valued and supported.
“My immediate goals are to enhance the softball facilities by completing the dugouts and scoreboard before the school year begins, while establishing a softball advisory committee to support long-term program growth and continuous improvement.”
Coach Jones’ coaching philosophy is built on collaboration, accountability, and player development. Through years of coaching at nationally competitive tournaments, he has developed relationships with college coaches across multiple divisions and looks forward to helping St. Mary’s Ryken student-athletes pursue collegiate softball opportunities.
“I’ve had the opportunity to build strong relationships with college coaches through years of coaching at showcase events,” Coach Jones said. “I’m excited to mentor our student-athletes through the recruiting process and help create opportunities for them to compete at the next level.”
His experience extends beyond the softball field. As a successful local business owner, Coach Jones credits leadership, teamwork, and organization as key components of building successful programs.
“I believe great programs are built by great people,” he said. “I’ll assemble a coaching staff where every member has a defined role, and together we’ll create a culture built on accountability, teamwork, and excellence.”
Coach Jones has coached more than 320 games throughout his career, maintaining a winning record while helping teams capture multiple regional and national championships. He believes year-round player development will be the key to competing in the highly competitive WCAC.
“We’ll focus on developing our players year-round,” Coach Jones said. “That includes strength and conditioning, optional offseason skill development, specialized instruction, opponent scouting, and preparing our athletes to compete with confidence every time they step on the field.”
Beyond wins and championships, Coach Jones hopes to establish a culture centered on faith, character, and personal growth.
“My goal is to build a strong foundation for the future of St. Mary’s Ryken softball,” he said. “I want to create a program that is competitive, enjoyable, and committed to academic achievement, athletic excellence, and personal growth. Most importantly, I want our program to glorify God both on and off the field while teaching discipline, accountability, teamwork, and respect.”
Coach Jones is also well-connected throughout the Southern Maryland softball community. As the head coach of a nationally recognized travel program, he has built relationships with coaches, players, and families that he believes will strengthen the Knights program.
“I’ve been fortunate to develop strong relationships throughout the local softball community,” he said. “I look forward to strengthening those connections, promoting the program, and attracting student-athletes who share the mission and values of St. Mary’s Ryken.”
During his time coaching travel softball, Coach Jones has already helped recruit two student-athletes to St. Mary’s Ryken who earned First-Team and Second-Team All-WCAC honors this past season, demonstrating his ability to identify and develop talented players who excel both athletically and academically.
Coach Jones said that what excites him most is the opportunity to positively impact young women through softball.
“I’m passionate about helping student-athletes grow in confidence, leadership, and character,” he said. “I look forward to creating meaningful experiences and memories that will stay with them long after their high school careers have ended.”
Coach Jones will assume his role in August.
For more information about the SMR softball program, please contact athletics@smrhs.org. For more information about the SMR athletics program, please visit www.smrhs.org/athletics.