By the end of his high school lacrosse career, midfielder Kevin Jenkins had played almost everywhere in the country, from tournaments in Colorado to Carmel, but the one place that had eluded the San Diego-native would come to be the next chapter in his athletic calling.

“Before I came to visit UT I'd never been to Austin before. I always loved their football team, but that was about it,” Jenkins said. But thanks to a clairvoyant college counselor at his high school and the strong business program Jenkins found on the 40 Acres, the choice was an easy one.

“Once I talked to Coach Fink about the team I knew it was the place for me,” Jenkins said. Plus, like many who come to Austin with no prior experience, Jenkins said he “fell in love with the campus and the city once I came out here to visit,” last spring.

So while Jenkins had not thought much at all about the University of Texas prior to a campus visit, the standout middie from Poway High School just north of San Diego is now finding his place on the UT roster as the team settles into fall practices.

“I expect to progress as a lacrosse player and be surrounded by guys that love playing the sport as much as I do,” Jenkins said. “I'm also looking forward to be playing with lots of talented lacrosse players on a dominate club lacrosse team.”

Jenkins is a tall, fast middie who can dodge with either hand, but he will join a midfield corps that returns three starters and a multitude of athletes who can make an impact on both sides of the field.

"Kevin is very modest and soft spoken about his skill, but when he is out on the field, watch out," head coach Noah Fink said. "He plays well with both hands and will beat you either direction. He has great field vision and already plays the game at a college level. We are very much looking forward to seeing how he progresses this fall-- he has unlimited potential and he adds a great dynamic to this exceptional incoming class."

“I think I will be able to make an impact on the team and I'm willing to help in any way I can,” Jenkins said. “I've been a role player before, so I know how to find ways to help the team even if I'm not the go-to guy.”