by James Coulter
Nashid Jenkins Jr. comes from a family of athletes. His grandfather played sports. His uncle played sports. And not only does he play sports, but he’s striving to accomplish what his family members before him could not: making it to the big leagues.
“My grandad almost made it to the league, but he got hurt,” Nashid said. “My uncle almost made it to the league, but he got hurt. So, I’m going to be the one in my family who will finally make it. I’m going to finish what my family started.”
Nashid plays as the running back on the junior varsity and varsity levels for the Highlanders football team at Lake Wales High School. He’s also aiming to become Colossal’s Youth Athlete of the Year.
Colossal’s Youth Athlete of the Year competition is a nationwide campaign that raises funds and awareness for the Why Not You Foundation and the V Foundation. According to their website, these non-profit organizations are “dedicated to education, children’s health and fighting poverty, empowering today’s youth to lead with a why not you attitude.”
“Through this competition, I have the opportunity to show not only my city but the world how passionate I am about making it to the next level in football,” Nashid said. “I’m passionate about the way football makes me feel, the drive and purpose it gives me. When I’m on and off the field, I walk with my head high. I know I’m making myself, my family, and my coaches proud. I lead by example.”
Nashid has been playing football on both the junior varsity and varsity levels. This season, he scored two touchdowns, including his first end field touchdown for varsity.
“It [making that touchdown] was like the best feeling ever,” he said. “It felt like I accomplished something. I just know that after I scored the one [touchdown], more is to come. I know it. It pushes me to keep going after what I want.”
His best game to date was the game his team played against Auburndale. Despite his team losing, he felt he and his teammates played their best that game.
He owes his success to the leadership of Head Coach Tavaris Johnson. He also attributes his athletic prowess to the preparation he does before a game. Before each game, he makes sure to stretch, eat well, and pray. He also watches and studies how his opponents play.
“I watch the opponent’s team. I watch my opponents. See how they line up. I see which hole will be open, how each player will react to me. I will see the defense and linebackers.”
His biggest inspiration, aside from the family members who played sports before him, is his mother. He strives to do his best both on and off the field to make her proud.
“My mom inspires me,” he said. “Every time I see her, it makes me push even harder, because I love her so much and it makes me want to do better each and every day.”
Likewise, his mother, Angie Marie, is proud of his accomplishments. She especially loves how he continues the athletic legacy of her family.
To see my son playing the sport and position my dad talked to me about my whole life is pretty amazing. To hear the people say that’s Shep’s grandson is awesome,” she said. “It’s an indescribable feeling to know that he is a humble young man who loves the Lord, and to be acknowledged for your hard work just tops it off.”
