Sounders women midfielder, Kelsey Jenkins (Kent, WA) was welcomed back to her childhood stomping grounds with rowdy cheering from the students and overwhelming pride from the faculty Wednesday, June 9. Jenkins and Tacoma Tide defender Brayton Knapp (Sultan,WA) met with students at Soos Creek Elementary to talk about their favorite players and most beloved soccer memories. Students were eager to retell their experiences with soccer and used their time with the players as a sort of show-and-tell parade.

A lucky kinder-gardener gets to hold onto his class’ autographed posters.

The children fired questions at the visiting players determinedly. Finally one teacher probed Jenkins, “Kelsey, where did you go to school?” Her answer was met with delight, as the children took pride in housing a local celebrity. One student, struck by the presence of such talent, even asked Knapp for his relationship status. The players were quickly idolized by the students, as they recounted funny moments, favorite players, life quotes, and their love for the game.

General Manager Jon Billings, Knapp, and Jenkins discussed their favorite players and the traits of each which they admired. Knapp and Jenkins both favored center midfielders for their creativity, but Billings was quick to choose Argentinean striker, Lionel Messi, citing the player’s unique build. As one of the world’s shortest and best contemporary players, Billings used Messi as evidence for the potential that each student holds. “Unlike basketball or other sports” Billings said, “you don’t have to be built a certain way to play soccer. With practice and passion, everyone has the opportunity to be a great player.”

Jenkins is a sophomore at Seattle Pacific University, where as a freshman, her team won the national championship. The center midfielder comes from a long line of soccer stardom. Her father, a British native, played professionally in his country of origin before a brief run with the Sounders himself. Jenkins regaled the students with a story about her highest juggling count.  Bribed by her dad to complete 1000 juggles consecutively, Jenkins was the proud recipient of 100 dollars after hard practice and a little motivation.                                                        Kelsey enkins plays heading game with Soos Creek Student

Knapp also took part in the NCAA playoffs with his team, the University of Portland Pilots. He gained status as an outside and central defender, playing under Jenkins’s father as a youth. Knapp told the students his funniest soccer memory, which included his youth coach, Jenkin’s father. The kids giggled as Knapp painted a comical portrayal of the elder Jenkins’s Zidane-like head-butting ordeal.  As captain, Knapp was being told to motivate his teammates. After a fiery speech, the coach took the opportunity to show Knapp how serious he was by head-butting the Crossfire Premier Player (accidentally).  The coach and father Jenkins played an integral role in both soccer stars’ careers. 

The Tide will face off against I-5 rivals, the Washington Crossfire, for their next home game at Curtis High School. The match will take place Thursday, June 16 at 7:30.  Sounders Women welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps for their first home match at Starfire Sports Complex Wednesday, June 23 at 10:30 pm.                       

Jenkins is shown her old 3rd grade photo at Soos Creek