Jahiem Hawkins ’26
Junior biology major
Huntington Station, N.Y.

The sport of lacrosse has provided Jahiem Hawkins ’26 with many unique opportunities, including two stints playing with Team Jamaica on the global field.

Westminster’s junior short-stick defensive midfielder from Huntington Station, N.Y., competed with Team Jamaica in Medellin, Colombia, in the Pan American Lacrosse Association Regional Qualifier during the summer of 2022. The team earned a silver medal, as well as a spot in the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championships, taking Hawkins and the team to San Diego., Calif., the following summer.

Born in Jamaica, Hawkins said being selected to represent the Caribbean island nation was a true blessing and an experience he will always cherish.

“Representing my homeland on such an important stage filled me with pride and motivation, and it deepened my love for the game. Competing at that level also pushed me to grow as an athlete and as a person, and I can’t wait for my next opportunity—hopefully at the Olympics,” he said.

Hawkins has also found success as a member of the Titan lacrosse team. In February, he was named the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Specialist of the Week after his defensive efforts against Wittenberg where he finished with four ground balls and a career-high four caused turnovers. He was an All-PAC honorable mention selection in 2023 and 2024, and was named PAC Rookie of the Week in 2023.

When he’s not on the field, Hawkins is studying biology and plans to pursue graduate studies in clinical psychology post-Westminster in hopes of becoming a therapist.

“Studying biology at Westminster has given me a strong foundation in human physiology, neuroscience and the biological basis of behavior, all which are essential for understanding mental health and therapeutic interventions,” he said.

Outside of the classroom, Hawkins in active with many campus organizations including the Black Student Union, a group that he says has deepened his understanding of multicultural issues and has helped strengthen his leadership skills.

In addition to his athletic, academic and extracurricular pursuits, Hawkins said he finds Westminster’s strong sense of community and support inspiring.One of his favorite community moments was watching the women’s soccer team win the PAC title in 2022.

“It was amazing to watch them play all season, especially the energy of the home playoff win. It reminded me of the power of teamwork and dedication, and it was an honor to witness that level of achievement. Being part of a school with such strong, supportive students, whether on the field or in the classroom, has shaped me in ways I didn’t expect, and I’m proud to be a part of that history,” he said.

Hawkins enjoys being a part of Westminster’s bustling campus life, but when he needs to clear his head, he heads to quieter area of campus. His favorite spot—the bio trails near the tennis courts—gives him a chance to take a breather, clear his mind and enjoy the natural beauty Westminster offers.

~ Ava Karpa ’27, student writer

More Stories