UTSA’s Jordyn Jenkins Leads Roadrunners to First American Title and Becomes School’s First WNBA Player
The UTSA women’s basketball team made school history this year, winning its first-ever American Athletic Conference championship and firmly placing the Roadrunners among Texas’ top collegiate programs. The defining force behind that achievement was senior forward Jordyn Jenkins, whose comeback story has become one of the most inspiring.
A native of Renton, Washington, Jenkins was a high school state champion at Kentridge before a torn ACL cut short her senior season. She went on to star at USC, earning Pac-12 Most Improved Player in 2022, but transferred to UTSA after her coach retired.
A Program-Defining Decision
UTSA head coach Karen Aston, a Texas native with deep roots in women’s college basketball, saw more than just talent in Jenkins. She saw a leader who could rebuild a program.
“Her drive and personality fit exactly what we were building at UTSA,” Aston said. “She wasn’t afraid of the challenge.”
Jenkins wasted no time making history. In her first season, she powered the Roadrunners to several statement wins, including a 58–53 upset over No. 21 Middle Tennessee, one of the biggest victories in program history. Her performance also earned her Conference USA Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.
The Injury That Nearly Ended It All
Then came the setback. During a routine spring workout in 2023, Jenkins tore her right ACL, sidelining her for nearly a year.
“I knew it the second it happened,” Jenkins said. “It was like reliving my worst nightmare.”
But this time, she wasn’t alone. UTSA’s medical team, led by Dr. Ken Kenneth-Nwosa and athletic trainer Tam Nguyen, built a plan to get her back on the court. They credit Jenkins’ mental toughness as much as her athletic ability.
“She worked harder than anyone we’ve seen,” said Dr. Kenneth-Nwosa, UTSA’s lead team physician. “She turned recovery into a second full-time job.”
A Historic Return
In February 2024, Jenkins made her long-awaited return to the floor in front of a home crowd at the Convo. UTSA finished the season strong, earning its first postseason bid in 15 years.
The following year, Jenkins led UTSA on a historic run, finishing 24–3 overall and 15–1 in conference play. The Roadrunners clinched the American Conference championship before a record crowd of 2,250 fans, the largest in program history.
“We always wanted to bring a banner home to San Antonio,” Jenkins said after the win. “To do it in front of this city, with these people — it means everything.”
Making San Antonio Proud
Jenkins’ leadership extended beyond the stat sheet. She became a mentor to younger players and a symbol of perseverance for the San Antonio sports community.
Her efforts paid off in April when she became the first UTSA athlete ever drafted into the WNBA, signing with the Los Angeles Sparks
Now, her No. 32 is expected to join Monica Gibbs’ No. 33 in the rafters the highest honor in UTSA athletics.
