VSU welcomes Bob Jenkins as the Head Coach of the new Men’s Soccer program. The fall of 2024 will mark the inaugural season for the Men’s Soccer team.
Coach Jenkins has a comprehensive background in team and player development as well as in coaching education.
He began his coaching career with University of Virginia in 1989 as the assistant coach. He was with the Cavaliers for their first two National Championships. He then went on to become the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at American University where his 1997 team finished at the top of the Colonial Athletic Association and advanced to the final 8 in the NCAA tournament.
He left American in 2000 to join US Soccer as a National Staff Coach where he was involved in player evaluation and coaching education. From 1998 to 2008 he coached the U-18 Men’s National Team and from 2017 to 2019 he worked as an assistant with the U15 youth National Team. In 2005 he was named Director of Coaching Education and Player Development. In 2008 Coach Jenkins left USSOCCER and relocated to the Richmond area become the Technical Director of the Richmond Strikers Soccer Club. From 2014 to 2020 Coach Jenkins worked on behalf of Puma to deliver player and coaching development to the top Puma youth clubs in the USA.
Jenkins was a four-year starter from 1980-1984 at Duke University and the leading goal scorer on their 1982 National Finalist team. During his 4 years at Duke, the team was twice ACC champions and participated in the NCAA tournament each of those 4 years.
Jenkins holds a USSF A license, a Youth Technical Director License and a National Youth License.
Born and raised in New Jersey, Coach Jenkins graduated from Duke University with a degree in Religion and holds a Master’s degree in Government and Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia.
He resides in Petersburg with his wife Cindy. They have two sons, both living in New York state.
“I am so grateful to Virginia State University, especially to our Athletic Director, Ms. Davis and our President, Dr Abdullah for giving me this opportunity. I am excited to build a program of excellence on and off the field that will represent the qualities and standards of Virginia State University.
