FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Peter Jones from Fairfield University Men's Lacrosse has been selected as a finalist for the Yeardley Reynolds Love (YRL) Unsung Hero Award. Jones is one of five finalists in the Division I Men's Lacrosse category for the national honor.
 
The YRL Unsung Hero Award is given by the One Love Foundation and recognizes the accomplishments of men's and women's collegiate lacrosse players from Divisions I, II and III who demonstrate dedication, integrity, humility, hard work, community service, leadership, kindness and sportsmanship – all qualities Yeardley Love exemplified throughout her life.
 
A three-year member of the Fairfield Men's Lacrosse program, Jones graduated from Fairfield in 2017 with a degree in Economics and joined the Stags as a graduate student beginning in the 2018-19 academic year. In the classroom, the native of Summit, N.J. is pursuing an M.S. in Management.
 
Prior to his collegiate career, Jones spent three years in the United States Army, where he served two tours in Afghanistan. For his service, he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO ISAF Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
 
As a member of the Stags, Jones was instrumental in the team's community service efforts working with Homes for the Brave – an organization that provides housing and other services to veterans. He also participated in the joint effort by Fairfield Men's and Women's Lacrosse to support America's VetDogs as a part of the team's annual Military Appreciation Day.
 
Jones was the 2020 recipient of Fairfield Athletics' William Wallin Memorial Award, presented to "the student-athlete that epitomizes the late William Wallin '61, who demonstrated the highest levels of sportsmanship, character and leadership on and off the field."
 
"Peter is an important member of our team and our campus community. As a veteran of the U.S. Army, he brings levels of leadership, humility, dedication and respect to our locker room that go beyond what we can teach on the lacrosse field and in the classroom," said Head Coach Andrew Baxter. "Particularly under the unique circumstances of the past year, Peter's presence is a constant reminder of the true meaning of sacrifice and heroism that help us to maintain proper perspective on the adversity and challenges that we have faced as a team."