Taylor’s Journey Continues
Following her third year at the University of Connecticut (UConn), NCE Alumni Taylor Jenkins recently announced her commitment out of the NCAA Transfer Portal to continue her collegiate career at the University of Southern California — a move that reflects both her ambition and continued evolution as a player.
Over the years, we’ve shared pieces of Taylor’s journey through the lens of long-term player development and competitive resilience. From her role in NCE’s Gothia Cup championship run in 2019, to navigating the transition into high-level Division I soccer at UConn, Taylor’s path has never been about shortcuts — it’s been about embracing challenge, seeking growth, and competing in environments that demand more.
Her decision to enter the transfer portal marks another defining moment in that journey. It’s one shaped by reflection, clarity, and a desire to continue pushing her game forward at the highest level. As she prepares to join one of the most storied programs in college soccer, Taylor remains rooted in the same foundation that has guided her development from the beginning.
We caught up with Taylor to talk about the decision, the process behind it, and how the foundation built through NCE continues to shape the way she approaches the game — and the next chapter ahead.
When you think back to your time at NCE, what habits or standards do you feel carried with you to the college level?
“I definitely think remaining discipline in each opportunity given is something I tried to carry to the college level with me. Opportunities come and go and it’s important to make the most of them when they arise. In this you have to be disciplined to recognize that every moment is a chance to get better and never take it for granted.”
What did your time at UConn teach you about yourself as a player and competitor?
“My time at UConn taught me how important it is to prioritize the little things, especially when it comes to preparing your mind and body for competition. Every individual is different and I realized some things that may work for me may not for others and vice versa. It’s crucial to understand what measures need to be taken to best set yourself up for success. Whether it’s nutritionally, through recovery, or fine tuning training habits even the small things can make the biggest difference at the college level and so on.”
What mattered most to you in choosing your next environment, and what stood out most about USC?
“What mattered most to me in my process was finding an environment that would push me outside my comfort zone while providing strong support to test my limits and help me achieve my goal of playing professional soccer.
What stood out to me most about USC was the personalities of the players and coaching staff. Everyone was bought into the game. The coaching staff was hands on and personal when working with players on their craft and giving feedback, and the players seemed to deeply enjoy the grind and ability to play. This atmosphere resonated with me as someone who has truly found a love for the game and wants to be surrounded by others with the same mentality.”
How (if at all) did you evaluate programs this time around compared to the high school recruitment process?
“Going through the process a second time, my focus was finding schools that aligned with my goals and would fit me best to develop under. With three years of maturity, the transfer portal was easier to navigate as I had a clear definition of who I am as a player and person and what kind of environments I tend to thrive in.”
What excites you most about this new chapter in your career?
“What excites me the most is the opportunity to be challenged and to develop even more as a student athlete. The USC women’s soccer program has incredible talent and a coaching staff that I could see myself really learning from and expanding on my game through. What I have realized about myself is that I respond best in environments where I am uncomfortable and being pushed. While I know it’s not going to be easy and a lot of hardwork and discipline will need to go into this next chapter I cannot wait to see where it leads me and the strides I make in this new environment.”
What advice would you give an NCE player who wants to play at the next level?
“My advice would be to stay true to who you are in the process. Find something that makes you the player and person you are and stick with it. Develop it and identify with it. We are all unique in our capabilities and what we bring to the table. The sooner you can recognize what that is the better comprehension you will have of yourself and as an athlete which will allow you to grow in other areas as well. Remember that ultimately it comes down to the love of the game. The journey is most certainly not easy and I have had a fair share of ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade them for the world. At the end of the day the sacrifices and days where I got up and put in the work all led to the player I am today and player I will become tomorrow. Every fail and every win has led me to this incredible opportunity and new chapter and for that I am forever grateful.”
