Jenkins to bring strong presence to Waldorf

By Matt Oliver

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – The Waldorf College women’s soccer team continues to solidify its incoming recruiting class with the addition of Catherine Jenkins.

Jenkins, a Huntington High School senior who has played as a center back and center midfielder, signed a letter of intent with the Warriors on Dec. 16.

“Catherine is going to aid in the new direction the team is going,” Waldorf coach Casey Curoe said. “Catherine has a lot of strong qualities that we look for: dedication, commitment and passion.”

A four-year varsity starter and letter winner, Jenkins started her prep career at St. Joseph Central Catholic High School where she was a Class A all-state honorable mention selection as a freshman. She was also a member of the 2013 state championship basketball team during her freshman year with the Irish.

Jenkins began attending Huntington as a sophomore and continued her success on the soccer field. She earned all-conference honorable mention recognition from the Mountain State Athletic Conference (MSAC) during her final two seasons with the Highlanders and was tabbed Class AAA all-state honorable mention as a senior.

As a senior, Jenkins was striving toward her dream of playing collegiate soccer and tore her ACL midway through the season. It wasn’t enough to slow her down as she continued to work toward her goal.

“I thought my soccer career was over,” Jenkins said. “Once schools continued to show interest in me, I realized my dream could still be a reality. I am excited to get the opportunity to play and even more excited to play for Waldorf.”

Jenkins is the daughter of David and Ann Marie Jenkins. Her older brother, Stephen, will be a senior on the Warrior men’s soccer team next season. Jenkins is considering studies in biology and realized Waldorf was in her future after visiting the campus.

“I met some professors and talked to some students and they made me feel right at home,” Jenkins said. “I like the small-town atmosphere and everyone knows everyone. After talking to the coaches, I liked the direction they have for the future and I want to be a part of the Warrior team.”

Jenkins is the third member of Waldorf’s 2016-17 recruiting class, joining Detroit native Tyler Ledford and Cassidy Pino from Albuquerque, New Mexico. When Jenkins takes the field this fall, she’s expected to make an immediate impact as the Warriors begin their second season in the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA).

“I believe Catherine has the capability to contribute to our team on and off the field with her strong presence,” Curoe said.

Website link: http://www.waldorfwarriors.com/article/1631.php