The birdie chaser herself, Kendall Hlebasko, has committed to play golf at Indiana University Kokomo. Kendall had a very successful high school career throughout her four years on varsity. Kendall had the honor of being named All-Three Rivers Conference this year because of her exceptional senior season. Kendall has been great all four years of high school, but her senior season definitely made her stand out among other surrounding players.
Mrs. Densborn, head coach of the Lady Kings’ Golf team, had the pleasure of coaching Kendall for her senior season. It is obvious Kendall is a great player by the way her very own coach talks about her. When asked what Kendall’s greatest strength was, Mrs. Densborn said, “Kendall has many, many strengths when it comes to golf. She is a very good golfer, if she happens to make a bad shot (which is rare) she is talented enough to get out of the situation with ease. Kendall is also very disciplined at practice and works very hard at anything that needs improvement. Kendall’s main strengths are definitely her work ethic and her extremely kind and welcoming personality.” Kendall’s personality also seems to shine during matches and practices. Mrs. Densborn said her favorite memory of Kendall was when Lindsay Landis, another senior golfer who happens to know Kendall is afraid of snakes, caught a baby snake and chased Kendall with it (around the golf course)! Even though Kendall works hard during matches and practices, she still lets herself enjoy golfing with her friends, which will, no doubt, help her while playing at IUK.”
Because Kendall is a hard worker while letting her personality shine through, she is excited to get close to her future teammates. When I asked Kendall how she knew Indiana University Kokomo was the right fit for her, she said, “I decided IUK was the right fit for me because of the people. Also, I enjoy a smaller community rather than a bigger one.” Since Kendall likes a smaller community, IUK was definitely a top choice for her. Kendall also knows some of her future teammates through high school matches and tournaments, which will only help her feel more comfortable during her freshman year of college.
College can be a big change, especially when the sport you have played for years starts to change and challenge a player more. Kendall thinks the biggest difference between playing in high school versus college will be the distance of the course. While playing with new teammates and different coaches, Kendall is excited for the new things to come. “I am very excited to see new places and, most of all, see new and beautiful golf courses.”
Continuing an athletic career after high school is a huge accomplishment. Having the skills to continue playing a sport you love is rare, so there is no doubt Kendall will continue to evolve into an even better athlete. While playing at an NAIA college (IUK), Kendall will have the opportunity to gain new skills and grow as not only an athlete but as a person as well. If you see Kendall in the hall, be sure to congratulate her! Congratulations and good luck, Kendall Hlebasko, future Cougar!
