Orlando, FL (PSF) — After six years of professional soccer, and twenty-one years in the sport, Orlando Pride forward Darian Jenkins has announced her retirement from soccer. At just 28 years old, Jenkins made an impact on the sport. She played on the United States U-17, U-18, U-20, and U-23 National Teams, including at the U-17 2012 World Cup. She played college soccer at University of California at Los Angeles from 2013-2016 with a total of 76 appearances and 29 goals. The North Carolina Courage drafted her seventh overall in 2017. Along with the Courage, Jenkins played for OL Reign, the Kansas City Current, and the Orlando Pride in the NWSL. She also played on loan for Bordeaux in France and the Melbourne Victory in Australia. She recorded 101 professional caps with sixteen goals and a NWSL Championship with the Courage in 2018. Sidelined by a lingering leg injury her rookie season, Jenkins’ career did not really start until 2018, and fans have frequently wondered what could have been from her career. Her name may not appear in history books with the likes of Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach, but that does not mean Jenkins didn’t have a successful career.

A lot of professional athletes retire before the age of thirty, across all sports. We just don’t hear about it as much because the most prolific athletes often play into their late thirties or early forties, like Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, and Diana Taurasi. Jenkins retirement has gained more traction than a lot of other athletes who retire earlier. Her career wasn’t history making, but Jenkins won fans hearts every time she stepped on the pitch because she was just so fun to watch. A professional athlete’s career does not have to be about how many records you break or championships you win. It is about how you play, and how fans react to you playing.

Best of luck on your next adventure, Darian!