Jason Lyons is a 22-year-old graduate student who serves as the SEU men’s soccer center-back. Unofficially, he is a team leader and torchbearer for the team, a player who brings sage advice to his 25 freshman compatriots. 

What makes Lyons special is his intense dedication to St. Edward’s and his team. He initially entered the team in a cohort of seven freshman players. However, partly through their spring season back in 2020, the team received word that their program would be shut down and not return in the foreseeable future. 

“It was very tough, particularly for the guys in my class,” Lyons said. “We didn’t know we had to say goodbye.”

Despite the loss, Lyons and a few other teammates chose to stay on the hilltop. The pandemic left a void where there was previously a “built-in brotherhood.”

“We had to all make it a priority to find each other, seek each other out and get together,” Lyons said. “There are still two guys I haven’t seen since COVID.” Lyons and his friends spent their newfound time exploring CrossFit gyms, Sunday soccer leagues and intramurals. Lyons himself joined the men’s club volleyball team, interned at various organizations and crafted his senior thesis – opportunities he wouldn’t have previously had the time for with soccer. 

It’s clear that Lyons is someone who cares immensely about others, whether it be interning at the Behavioral Institute of Austin or his dedication to being a leader for the soccer team upon its return. 

There are obvious differences between the freshman-year Jason Lyons and the one seen today completing his MBA. When Lyons was on the team in 2019, older players were essential in teaching him how to get laundry done and why it’s necessary to show up to meetings 10 minutes early. He felt like he had learned a million small things from those players.

Coming onto the field now, he feels it is important for him to connect with others and get on the same wavelength. Compared to the other members on the team, it is quite stark to see a 6-foot-3, 22-year-old player. This difference is not lost on Lyons. 

“It is sort of weird playing against kids that are 18-years-old,” he said. “So much changes even in the first to two years of college.”

This change is evident in Lyons’ freshman versus senior portraits. It is also observable in his mature outlook and newly announced engagement. 

There is still a lot of life and change that Lyons has to face as he nears his 2024 graduation date. After graduation, Lyons wants to pursue a career in public health in the Austin area. Until then, he is looking forward to a “great conference season” and “guiding his fellow players on his team.”