May 11, 2005

San Diego, Calif. - Prior to accepting the assistant coaching position at the University of San Diego, Ron Jenkins told then first-year head coach Tom Hagedorn he would accept the job under one condition: no administrative work. Jenkins wanted to be a hands-on coach, out on the courts encouraging and motivating his players rather than being stuck behind a desk, scheduling matches and being burdened by other secretarial responsibilities. Despite the rather bold demand by Jenkins, Hagedorn hired him in the Spring of 1997 and the duo has flourished at Alcalá Park ever since. Nine years later, Jenkins has decided to hang up the racquet and say good-bye to the coaching profession at the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament. This time next year, instead of being out on the USD West Tennis Courts, Jenkins will be focusing all his energies as the CEO and President of Texas Area Management & Investments, his own commercial real estate business.

"Together, we've seen this program through. It's been fun sharing the ride with him for nine years," reflects Hagedorn. "He has been so passionate and so committed to our program, it's been awesome."

Jenkins, who helped guide San Diego to over 116 team wins, is leaving behind a proud legacy that includes eight West Coast Conference championship final appearances and three straight NCAA team tournament invitations, a first in school history. Individually, he has helped junior Pierrick Ysern achieve All-American status this year, and coached numerous Toreros to all-conference honors throughout his tenure. Jenkins, who was honored as the Region VIII Assistant Coach of the Year in 2003, has been an important factor in San Diego's growing visibility on the national stage, steadily rising through the ITA Polls over the years. In early April, the team registered at No. 26, the highest ranking ever for a Torero squad in the Hagedorn-Jenkins era.

Hagedorn discovered Jenkins was available for hire through a phone call he received from legendary coach Glen Bassett, who was retiring from his post at Pepperdine. Serving as an assistant under Bassett for four years at UCLA and one year at Pepperdine, Jenkins came to San Diego with a wealth of experience and the ability to stay calm under pressure, which proved invaluable during Hagedorn's early years. While the young and eager head coach was emotional with every swing of the racquet, Jenkins was a stabilizing force that helped provide a balance for the team. In addition, the vast knowledge that Jenkins possessed allowed players to embrace the criticism he threw out on the court.

"He's coached a lot of good players and he's got a lot of experience at the top level. He knows what it takes to reach the highest level," confides Ysern, who is San Diego's third Division I All-American in school history. "To me, that's what matters the most. He knows what I need to do to reach the top."

One of the ways Jenkins is able to effectively communicate to the players is with his direct and honest approach. There are no sugarcoated comments with Jenkins and Hagedorn believes that his team would not want it any other way.

"He can really get through to the guys because they can read whether or not someone cares," reveals Hagedorn. "The guys will buy what you have to say if it is sincere and it is always sincere from Ron."

Strategically, Jenkins has proven to be one of the best in the business. A tactical mastermind on and off the court, Jenkins is able to assess any opponent and come up with a solid game plan to ensure victory for the Toreros. He has also advised his players to be smarter during match play, recommending what shots to hit and where to place the ball in certain situations.

"I can hit almost any shot. The thing is, I have to be able to hit them at the right moment," states Ysern. "He basically helped me use my assets wisely."

Over the nine seasons he has been at the University of San Diego, Jenkins has been more than a coach to many on the team. Not only do the players view him as a tough-nosed and honest coach, but they also consider him to be one of the guys.

"We can tell him pretty much anything as a friend, not as a coach," comments Ysern. "When we are on trips and stuff, we'll go play pool and stuff. It's a very good relationship between the players and him."

"I'm bummed to see him go, but all good things must come to an end," says Hagedorn.

Heading into NCAA play this weekend, Jenkins is hopeful that his ending with the Toreros will be put off for just a little bit longer.