Burien (Washington) Catholic catcher Kennedy Jabez Tinae stays at home.
The four-star receiver announced his commitment to Washington moments ago and will continue his soccer career in his backyard.
“The opportunities available to me from each of the respective schools they offered me were immense,” said Tinae. “The coaches and their staff took the time to show me opportunities for me to adapt to their schemes, campus and program. But in the end, the overall factor for me was the opportunity to be developed by Coach (Junior) Adams and the Washington coaching family as a receiver who can excel at the college level and beyond. He painted a clear picture of what was expected of me: hard work, ability to learn on the go, being trainable and giving nothing less than my best each rep. And also “what I can expect from the Washington staff and team, training to prepare for college football and beyond, accountability on and off the field, opportunity and support at all times.”
Tinae was quite familiar with the program and the Washington campus.
“I have been on campus several times over the past few years and have always imagined what he would like to walk around campus as a student or take the field as Dawg,” said Tinae. “What really confirmed this was the place for me was to solidify a solid relationship with Coach Adams and the Head Coach. Jimmy Lakeand how stellar a program I think Washington is. It gave me the advantage and the confidence that Washington was my home. First I told Coach Adams, my position coach, and he was celebrating with me on the phone and he said he had made his night. We hooked up with Coach Lake and he couldn’t be happier if I committed to being a Dawg either. “
Tinae said her family was delighted with her decision to stay home.
“My parents and siblings are extremely proud and happy for me and continue to celebrate every success with me,” said Tinae. “The recruiting process was exciting but also stressful, so they were relieved to have considered all the great options and was ready to commit. They fully support my decision and are confident that it is the best move for me.”
Tinae said she will start recruiting and will join her teammate, Sam Huard, a commitment to the Huskies, by recruiting others to join them.
“I have strong relationships with Junior alexander“Tinae said.” Of course I would love to see us continue the Lancer connection at the next level. Emeka Egbuka and JT Tuimoloau are also prime targets as they are great friends who will bring the boom to Montlake and help us achieve a national championship career. We all played together representing FBU Seattle as eighth graders and JT and I together on the 7v7 circuit for FSP for the past four years. I would love to have the opportunity to play together as Dawgs again. “
Tinae said she never worried about going away from home, but that the opportunity to be close to family was a bonus.
“Distance was not the deciding factor,” said Tinae. In fact, when I started to really immerse myself in my options, I intentionally took it out of the equation. As I narrowed my options, what I am as a person began to make more sense, outside of soccer, it is fully supported here at home. family, and I have a very big one at that, it’s home and my local church, Hilltop City Church is here. “
Tinae said that the recruiting process is completely over and that the weight of a decision no longer depends on it.
“I am a loyal person,” said Tinae. “I am confident in my decision and will not make any other visits outside my officer to Washington. I agree. Closing the recruitment is important so that I can focus on being the best person and player for my high school, the Kennedy Lancers team, this last season and also expanded training to prepare for the big move. It’s a huge burden that got off my shoulders and my family. A lot of people are encouraging me to do well and just wanted to weigh all of my options and consider what I know In my heart, it is the best move for me as a young student athlete looking to continue my education and soccer career to the next level. My parents and coaches also invested heavily in this process, taking time to help me think through options and share your hopes for success for me. In the end, I had to make this decision and I know it is the right one. I had built strong relationships along the way with some coaches it was ra from Washington and disconnecting and moving on was not easy for me. I really appreciate all and all the time, effort, and resources you put into recruiting me as a potential 2021 student athlete for your program. “
A four-star in the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Ranking, Tinae ranks as the No. 50 receiver nationwide and No. 7 prospect in the state for the composite, while 247Sports ranks it as the No. 36 receiver at national level and the No. 8 prospect in Evergreen State in 2021.