Senior Kenzie Wright made her debut with Alabama when they won the 2018 ANNIKA Intercollegiate and she finished T-13 as an individual. In her second and final year with the Crimson Tide, she recorded four top-10 finishes including a second-place finish at the Ruth’s Chris Tar Heel Invite.
We checked in with Kenzie recently to talk about her thoughts on her senior season being cut short and her time spent playing for the Crimson Tide.
What is your favorite board game?
Yahtzee
What is your golf club?
Plantation Golf Club in Frisco, Texas.
What is your favorite TV show right now?
Love is Blind!
What is your favorite food?
Italian
What is your favorite course you’ve ever played?
East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta.
How do you spend your free time outside of golf?
I enjoy cooking and going to concerts or the movies with my friends and family.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
My parents are my biggest role models because of how hard they have worked to help get me where I am, and they have sacrificed so much. I am so thankful for all they have done for me and I just hope to be the same when I’m older.
Can you tell me your initial thoughts when you first heard the news? What feelings or emotions did you go through?
I initially thought about everything that not only myself, but my team would miss out on for the rest of the year. It stung knowing we wouldn’t have a chance at winning the SEC championship, regionals or nationals. Then it hit me that the Darius Rucker was potentially my last ever college tournament without even knowing it. When you’re nearing the end of your season at nationals, you have an idea that this might be your last round with your team and you’re able to enjoy that, but in this case that closure was ripped away from us.
What is your greatest memory of the past 2 years at Alabama?
Beating the NCAA scoring record at the 2018 Schooner Classic is hard to beat, but every tournament has provided the best experiences and we have made memories I will never forget on and off the golf course.
Looking back on your time at Alabama, can you describe what it was like and what it taught you both on and off the golf course?
I have learned so much as a player and as a person in my last two years. I’ve learned how to handle adversity and how to work through it, as well as how to manage my time in the most effective way. Being a college athlete can be very tough, but I am so thankful for the experience.
Can you share some tips for young girls who are beginning the recruitment process?
I would say to just enjoy the whole process and not put too much pressure on yourself. It is easy to see other people committing to schools and think you’re behind, but what’s most important is picking a school that you will thrive in and truly enjoy. In other words, just enjoy it and make sure it’s the right place for you!
Do you have any encouraging words to share with other college athletes who are going through the same thing?
What’s helped me the most through this process is knowing that I’m not alone, so I’d like to say that there are a lot of other athletes out there that know exactly how you’re feeling and would be very happy to talk to you about this. The situation we’re in is something no one has ever seen before, and it is important to remember that we’re all in this together.
What is the best lesson you learned during your time as a college athlete?
The best thing I’ve learned is to never take anything for granted, and to always enjoy the little things. It can be hard sometimes to get wrapped up in how you’re playing and results, but when I look back I always remember how much fun we had at team dinners, and after practice. Those are the things I’ll always remember, not what I shot during a qualifying or tournament round.
What are some tips that helped you balance a student athlete lifestyle?
Keeping a planner and a calendar with any important dates, assignments or anything else that might come up throughout the season was very helpful. I think also scheduling some time just for yourself and making sure to find some time to relax can really help not getting overwhelmed with the busy schedule.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I plan on turning professional and working towards my dream of playing on the LPGA. At this point, I am not sure when that will be, but I hope to play on tour in the future.
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