Every strong team is built from the back, and for FC Berlin, that foundation often begins with goalkeeper Hunter Jones. Calm under pressure and decisive in her actions, Jones has become a reliable last line of defense for the club. Whether it is a reflex save from close range or a confident claim in traffic, she brings the kind of presence that defenders trust and opponent’s respect.

Goalkeeping is as much about mentality as it is about athleticism. From organizing the back line to reading the flow of the game, Jones plays a vital role in shaping how FC Berlin defends. Her ability to stay focused through long stretches of play, only to produce a crucial save when needed, speaks to the discipline and concentration that define top goalkeepers.

But the modern goalkeeper does more than stop shots. Distribution, communication, and quick decision-making are all part of the job. Jones embraces that responsibility, helping transition play and keeping the team composed in high-pressure moments. As FC Berlin continues to build its reputation and pursue new milestones, having a dependable goalkeeper like Hunter Jones behind the defense is a significant advantage.

What first drew you to playing goalkeeper, and how old were you when you made that decision?
Growing up, I had the typical everyone takes a turn playing in net experience. I soon realized that I was pretty good at it. As I got older and got more competitive, I began playing half the games in net, and half out. As much as I loved playing in net, I also loved scoring goals. When I was around 13 years old, I began playing goalkeeper full time. I think the main draw to the position was the pressure and in turn, the adrenaline that came with it.

Who were some of the goalkeepers or players you looked up to growing up?
Christine Sinclair and Steph Labbé.

Goalkeepers often have a unique mindset; how do you stay focused during matches when the action may be far from your goal for long periods?
To stay focused during the games, I like to try and keep myself involved in anyway I can. Whether it is communicating with my teammates or jumping up and trying to help with offence. But, for those long period of time scenarios I often find myself talking to myself, just narrating what is happening in the game. Kind of acting as a play by play commentator for myself. I find that it helps me to stay focused and keeps my mind from wandering, allowing myself to jump back into action at a moments notice.

What part of goalkeeping do you enjoy the most: shot-stopping, organizing the defense, or building play from the back?
My favourite thing about goalkeeping is definitely the shot-stopping. Growing up in a small town, I didn’t really have a lot of goalie specific training until I moved to a bigger club at 13 years old. So, a lot of the time I just found myself doing whatever it takes to keep the ball out of the net. It is something that just came naturally to me whereas organizing the defence and building from the back is something that I had to work a lot harder on as I grew up. I’ve often been told that in regards to shot-stopping that I don’t make it look pretty but always get the job done.

Is there a save or moment in your career so far that stands out as especially memorable?
A save that has always stuck in my mind was against Carleton when I was in university. It was a tied game with only a few minutes remaining and my defender fouled an opposing player in the box leading to a PK. Before the shot was taken, I remember all of the Carleton players standing outside the box already celebrating the goal and being so late in the game, the win, they were all yelling “guaranteed goal” as they were celebrating. That sparked a fire in me and I saved the PK. The tie in itself was a massive result as I didn’t attend the strongest school but also saving a PK in the last moments to get some sort of result like that is something that I will never forget.

What has your experience been like playing with FC Berlin and being part of this club’s culture?
My experience so far with FC Berlin has been nothing short of amazing. Having the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing group has been incredible. Being surrounded by people with such dedication and a love for the game while also being apart part of history is something that I will forever be grateful for. When I moved back home from school, I thought I would play in the summers and that would be it for me and soccer but instead I was lucky enough to be a part of the FCB family.

How important is communication with your defenders, and how do you build that trust on the field?
Communication is something that is incredibly important. As a keeper, you truly have the best view of the field so it is important that you help direct traffic as you may see something that your defenders can’t. In terms of building trust, I think a lot of it has to do with confidence. If you are confident in what you communicating and it is clear, defenders will trust you. Trust also comes with time. As you get to know the people you are playing with and they get to know you and how you play, the trust will build.

What is one aspect of your game you are always trying to improve?
My distribution is something I am always working to improve. Until the last few years, I feel as though my teams have played a lot of the kick and chase type of game. The last few years that has changed and in turn has required a lot more of a precise and aware distribution game for myself. Whether it’s the quality of passes in itself or my awareness and decision making in who I’m playing the ball to, it is something I am always looking to improve.