June 10, 2011
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By Josh Molino
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - One of the most decorated student-athletes in UCF history, Katie Detlefsen, can end her college career with no regrets, on or off the course. The Eagan, Minn., native collected various accolades throughout her four years with the Knights, highlighted by the 2010 LPGA Dinah Shore Trophy, a prestigious award given to a person who meets requirements of grade point average, leadership and participation in the community as well as stroke average in which Detlefsen excelled in all categories.
Earning a bachelor's degree in advertising/public relations within her first two and a half years at UCF, she decided to make the most of her stay in Orlando and work towards a master's in mass communications. Graduating with a 4.0 GPA and two degrees, she was also active in the community whether it be at home in Minnesota or at school in Orlando, Detlefsen boasts a lengthy list of notable service projects.
"When I think back to making my decision to come and play golf at UCF, I never could have dreamed of having such a great experience. Making lifelong connections with teammates, coaches and administration, there is no place that I would have wanted to go for my college years. I can't thank the athletics staff, coaches as well as the professors, teachers and advisors for such a memorable period in my life," Detlefsen said.
Detlefsen recently garnered two more academic accolades in the past week, completing her UCF career named to both the Capital One Academic All-District Three At-Large Team and the Capital One Academic All-America At-Large First Team. This marks the second time Detlefsen has been named to the Academic All-America At-Large Team, as last season she earned a spot on the third team.
For Detlefsen, no one person can be singled out as the reason or role model for her great success in the classroom or on the course, but a collective group effort of close friends, family and coaches paved the way for her extraordinary work as a student-athlete.
An active member in the Orlando community and on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Detlefsen believes that giving back to those who are less-fortunate is very important and should be a mandatory role as a student-athlete and to make a positive impact on the youth in today's society.
"In order to be a well-rounded student-athlete, you must put your priorities first, give back to the community and have solid time management skills. I was blessed with the ability to excel in all three categories and have many to thank for the opportunity to succeed in such a positive and supportive environment," said Detlefsen.
The collective effort and support of the UCF family allowed Detlefsen to succeed on many levels in her collegiate career. Her on-course success was attributed to the hard work put in every off-season as well as the excellent guidance from the coaches.
"Courtney (Trimble) and Mary (Bryan) have been such important part of my success these past two years at UCF. They both made a huge impact in my success on and off the course," Detlefsen stated. "The message I can take from both is to always give it 110 percent in whatever you are doing in life. If it is at practice, take advantage of the time you have to work and get better, improve something each time you take the course. If it is in the classroom or out in the community, make your mark on this place before your time is up. Leave a footprint for those behind you to follow."
The FCA was also an intrical part of Detlefsen's vital role in the community. Her dedication to academics and athletics translated to her work in the local area, spending countless hours mentoring and assisting children from the Central Florida area.
"One person that has made a huge impact in my life here in Orlando has been Brian Taylor, who works with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The support that he gave not just to me or members of the FCA, but all of the athletes in the UCF community really made me realize that we are all part of a huge family at UCF. Help others, care for one another and good things will come," Detlefsen said.
Detlefsen has left a successful model for students, athletes and student-athletes across the country to live by while at UCF. It starts with being a quality person and understanding the gifts you were given whether it is health, intelligence, athletic ability or creativity. If you can make a small difference in each activity you participate in, your life will make a major difference in those around you.
"All of the awards one can receive mean nothing if there isn't a good person behind them. Someone who loves, cares and helps others is on the path to live a happy and successful life. I hope that in my time at UCF I set a good example for future student-athletes," Detlefsen said.