June 10, 2010

If anyone has lived up to the ideal definition of student-athlete, it would be former Texas A&M International University volleyball player, Sarah Jenkins. In addition to achieving a solid four-year playing career for the Dustdevils from 2003-06, Jenkins holds the distinction of being TAMIU’s most honored athlete for her academic achievements.

Jenkins earned a bachelor’s in biology and minor in mathematics with a perfect 4.0 GPA and was a three-time ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VI honoree. Only one other TAMIU athlete has earned Academic All District honors in the eight-year history of the program, men’s soccer’s Jesús Sánchez in 2004.

A recent question and answer exchange with Jenkins reveals that the Laredo native has not slowed down a bit since departing TAMIU in 2007.

What has been your academic path since leaving TAMIU?

I received a Master in Science (M.S.) from the University Of Texas Health Science Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (UT-HSC-GSBS) and MD-Anderson Cancer Center in microbiology and molecular genetics in 2009. Currently I am pursuing a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at UT-HSC-GSBS where my main focus of research is understanding the mechanisms and pathogenesis of invasive diseases in order to optimize treatment regimens for infected individuals.

What are your career aspirations?

I would like to work for a biotech company which focuses towards the medical field with applications in developing novel therapeutic medicines for diseases/infections, nutritional products, or medical innovations for sport-related injuries.

What was the most valuable thing you learned at TAMIU in regards to preparing you for postgraduate pursuits?

I learned to seek mentorship from individuals who are experienced and can guide you to be successful in life.

What is the most memorable aspect of your TAMIU volleyball career?

A 3-1 victory over Houston Baptist University in 2005. We snapped their 116-match winning streak and became ranked in the top-25 of the NAIA poll after the win.

Do you miss playing volleyball?

Of course! Most of all I miss playing with my teammates. They are like my sisters. Even today we share a close bond and we try to get together as much as we can when we are in the same city. But I haven’t stopped playing. I joined a co-ed volleyball league here in Houston and I love every minute of it.

Anything you would like people to know about your life or future plans?

In January of this year I ran my first marathon (26.2 miles)—the Chevron Houston Marathon. I will be publishing a first author manuscript in a scientific journal on my research by the end of this year and this will be my third publication. I also plan to join the Peace Corps once I finish my degree.

Sarah Jenkins Facts

First volleyball team: Seventh grade team at Clark Middle School under the direction of Coach Galindo.

High School: John B. Alexander High School (2003)

Bachelor’s Degree: B.S. in Biology with a minor in Mathematics (2007)

Parents: Father William J. Jenkins is a Border Patrol Agent and mother Guadalupe Jenkins is a health practitioner.

In the record books: Jenkins ranks fourth on the TAMIU career list in digs (841), fifth in service aces (107) and seventh in sets played (316).