Texas Tech University Athletics
RRC Scholar-Athlete: Jaelene Hinkle
September 05, 2014 | Women's Soccer
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Sept. 5, 2014
By Daniel Steffy
Texas Tech Athletics Communications
Jaelene Hinkle comes into her senior year with the Red Raiders as one of the top performers both on the soccer pitch and in the classroom.
Hinkle hails from Denver, but her mother suggested she consider Texas Tech for its culinary program and a soccer program that has experienced plenty of success under head coach Tom Stone.
"I visited the campus and just fell in love," Hinkle said. "I loved Tom as a coach, and the atmosphere made it a really easy decision."
Over her first three years at Texas Tech, Hinkle has developed into one of the top talents in the country.
Her skills earned her a spot with the U.S. Under-17 National Team prior to enrolling at Tech and later with the U-23 squad, participating in training camps during the offseason.
Hinkle, who could potentially become a candidate for the U.S. National Team main roster following her senior season, went overseas with the U-23 squad this past spring to participate in the Six Nations Tournament where the U.S. claimed the tournament title.
"The whole U-23 experience was memorable." Hinkle said. "The camps automatically make you better because you're surrounded by elite athletes, so while I was there I just tried to take it all in and learn from everyone."
Hinkle became just the second player in school history to be named an All-American in 2013 after helping lead the Red Raiders to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the second-consecutive season.
As a senior and star player for Texas Tech, Hinkle has high expectations for herself and her team. If everything goes as planned, Hinkle and the Red Raiders will be hoisting a Big 12 Championship trophy in November.
"I try and set an example for my teammates by giving 100 percent on the field and in the classroom," Hinkle said. "I want to push my teammates to be their very best. As for this season, you just try and go as far as you can and do better than you did last year."
Hinkle is accustomed to success off the field as well. In the classroom she maintains a 3.82 grade-point average and she is the recipient of various Big 12 academic honors.
Hinkle said time management is the secret to balancing soccer and academics.
"Trying to manage both soccer and school, you have to learn balance," she said. "Freshman year was shaky at times, but I learned to manage. It's hard sometimes because all you want to do is sleep, but you've got to do it. In the end, it's all worth it."
As the Red Raiders have quickly turned into one of the top programs in the country, Hinkle is enjoying her final year wearing scarlet and black. The goal will always be to win Tech's first Big 12 Conference title.
But either way, her soccer career will not end following the 2014 season as Hinkle has plans to play professionally.
As a talented defender, she is likely to boast a long professional career. But when that career is over, Hinkle already has plans, using her degree from Texas Tech for her next step.
"After Texas Tech I do want to go professional, get drafted, and play for as long as I can" she said. "After soccer, I plan on going to culinary school, but for now I want to use my last season as a learning tool and hopefully get drafted."
