When Kyle Jenkins steps onto the lacrosse field, he isn’t always the loudest player. He’s not the one giving fiery, hype speeches in the locker room. Instead, he leads the Royals through his play, his energy, and the example he sets every single time he takes the field. It is the kind of leadership that has helped push HSE to an 11-2 start and the No. 1 ranking in the state.
The junior captain has been a very vital part of HSE’s incredible start this spring. With 30 goals, 10 assists, and 40 total points through the team’s first thirteen games, Jenkins is helping power a team that is chasing a second consecutive state championship.
“I’m not really the biggest vocal guy,” Jenkins said. “But I feel like a lot of the guys respect me. I’ll pull someone aside, have a conversation about what I see and what I think they can improve. I try to lead by example with how I play and the energy I bring every day.”
That leadership, both on the field and behind the scenes, has helped shape a Hamilton Southeastern team built on competition and connection. Practices are intense, with even non-starters pushing the pace against starters. Off the field, the team often eats meals together and spends time hanging out, building the chemistry that shows within every possession.
“We’re just really competitive,” Jenkins said. “Even the guys who don’t get a lot of playing time challenge us in practice. And we’re really close. We spend so much time together. It’s definitely helped how we talk to each other and how we play together.”
It is a bond that stretches beyond just this season. Many of the current starters have played together for years, building familiarity and trust. Jenkins said that after only losing two starters from last year’s championship team, the group has taken another step forward this spring.
Beyond his high school career, Jenkins already has his future lined up. A strong fall club season helped him earn a Division I offer from Quinnipiac University, where he will continue his lacrosse career after graduation. Quinnipiac is on the rise, earning a No. 20 national ranking this past season.
For now, though, the focus stays locked in on the present: leading his team, competing for another state championship, and setting the tone every day.