Jenkins compiled an outstanding 3.94 grade point average at SPU and was the recipient of a prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. She completed her political science degree in December and recently began serving an internship in Washington, D.C.

The Kentwood (Wash.) High School product was as impressive on the field as in the classroom. Jenkins was previously honored as the 2011 GNAC Player of the Year, a first-team all-region selection and a third-team All-American.

The senior midfielder led the conference with 11 assists.  Three of her four goals were game-winning strikes for the Falcons, who posted a 17-3 record and advanced to the West Region semifinal of the 2011 NCAA Division II Tournament.

SPU captured its third consecutive Great Northwest Athletic Conference championship and qualified for the NCAA playoffs for the ninth straight year.

During Jenkins' four seasons, the Falcons registered a remarkable 71-9-6 record. She was a freshman starter on SPU's 2008 national championship team.

Alex Harrison (3.85, kinesiology) from Western Washington was named the GNAC male scholar-athlete by the league's athletic directors. Jenkins and Harrison will be candidates for the 2012 national Conference Commissioners Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, which will be announced this summer.

On Tuesday, Alaska Anchorage women's basketball player Hanna Johansson and Western Oregon baseball pitcher Grady Wood were recognized as the GNAC Athletes of the Year.


GNAC Female Scholar-Athletes of the Year
2011-12    Kelsey Jenkins, Seattle Pacific (soccer)
2010-11    Dara Zack, Saint Martin's (Basketball)
2009-10    Jessica Pixler, Seattle Pacific (track/cross country)
2008-09    Ashley Puga, Northwest Nazarene (track/cross country)
2007-08    Amanda Peters, Northwest Nazarene (soccer/track)
2006-07    Ana Gutierrez, Seattle University (soccer)
2005-06    Lindy Mullen, Central Washington (track and field)
2004-05    Martina Kartikova, Saint Martin's (basketball)
2003-04    Liz Bishop, Western Washington (volleyball)
2002-03    Nichole Sauvageau, Seattle University (soccer)
2001-02    Nichole Sauvageau, Seattle University (soccer)

GNAC Male Scholar-Athletes of the Year
2011-12    Alex Harrison, Western Washington (Track and Field)
2010-11    Adam Bighill, Central Washington (Football)
2009-10    Sam Charles, Montana State Billings (Soccer)
2008-09    Sam Charles, Montana State Billings (Soccer)
2007-08    Keith Lemay, Western Washington (Cross Country/Track)
                 Jarred Rensvold, Montana State Billings (Cross Country/Track)
2006-07    Adam Jensen, Seattle University (Soccer)
2005-06    Tony Binetti, Seattle Pacific (Basketball)
2004-05    Nathan Carlson, Saint Martin's (Cross County/Track)
2003-04    Rob White, Western Washington (Football)
2002-03    Tobias Schwoerer, Alaska Anchorage (Cross Country)
2001-02    Erik Totten, Western Washington (Football)