High school soccer: Darian Jenkins among 5A's best

RIVERTON — Going through soccer tryouts at Riverton last season produced feelings of anxiety in Darian Jenkins.

After seeing a host of seniors vying to claim spots on the varsity roster, Jenkins did not feel confident that, as a freshman, she would even be a part of the team once the season started.

"I wasn't sure if I was going to make it last year," Jenkins said. "There were so many seniors and (I thought) I just wouldn't be playing."

Those fears quickly receded before a more pleasant reality for Jenkins.

She made an immediate impact as a freshman starter — tallying 10 goals for the Silverwolves in her debut season. Jenkins has continued to evolve as an offensive force as a sophomore.

In 11 games, she has already scored 15 goals. Jenkins ranks second among all 5A scorers — trailing Alta senior Rylei North by a single goal.

Riverton coach Paul Mozier said that Jenkins is a difference maker because she has plenty of speed, superior ball control and good field vision. Even though it is just her second year of varsity soccer, Mozier already sees her as a building block for the Silverwolves and someone the rest of the team can rally around.

"You can kind of build your team around her," Mozier said. "They're going to follow her just because she is good. She gets them the ball. She gets everybody involved. It's really good."

Standing out as a freshman did not come by accident for Jenkins. Once she was made a starter, Jenkins had an overwhelming desire to prove herself to both teammates and opponents.

She wanted to make sure everyone knew she belonged on the same field as those seniors she figured would beat her out of a roster spot in the first place.

"I always needed to be working up to their level," Jenkins said. "I was always trying to prove myself to them."

Now she is no longer the scrappy and talented newcomer. Other teams know how dangerous Jenkins can be, and it shows in how defenses usually game plan against Riverton.

It's not uncommon for Jenkins to see two or three players trailing her during the game — marking her and doing everything possible to keep the ball away from her head and her feet.