University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Eagles Ink First Fall Signee
12/2/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Eagles Ink First Fall Signee
Hattiesburg, Miss. - Head Coach Steve Johnson has signed Jonathan Atkins to a golf grant-in-aid, the Golden Eagles' first signee of the fall signing period.
Atkins is a 5-10, 150-pounder from San Juan, Puerto Rico, who Johnson says has the ability to contribute quickly to a Golden Eagle program that is coming off perhaps its best fall season ever. "We're excited to have Jonathan become a Golden Eagle," Johnson said. "He's the kind of player we're looking for. He will fit into our program quickly.
"He brings a lot of quality international experience to a young, but solid, program."
Atkins plays at Colegio Rosa-Bell High School in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, where he carries a 3.65 grade point average, is active in a variety of in-school and community extracurricular activities, and has an impressive list of local and international victories. He is co-president of his 2003 class, a member of the Student Council and the National Junior Honor Society. He is an Honor Roll student, and a Special Character Honor Award recipient.
He also competes in junior varsity basketball and volleyball, lists his hobbies as fishing, scuba diving and music, and says a strong business school and a solid golf program are his major reasons for choosing Southern Miss. He also enjoys traveling to various senior tournaments with his mentor, PGA Tour and Senior Tour veteran Chi Chi Rodriguez.
He plays on the Westin Rio Mar Golf Course, where he carries a two handicap. He has played for the Puerto Rico Junior Team for the past five years, and has recorded a lengthy list of high finishes and victories in recent years. His current coach is Jesus Rodriguez, brother of Chi Chi.
