Oct. 7, 2011
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By Becca Hurley
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Freshman Katie Mitchell is already making a name for herself as one of the newest Knights on the women's golf team. Humble about finishing in the top-20 at the Dale McNamara Invitational and Bettie Lou Evans Invitational, she said Psalms 18:29 helped get her through the tournament weeks.
"I could not have been successful in the tournament in Tulsa without the help of the Lord," Mitchell said.
The Dale McNamara Invitational was Mitchell's collegiate debut and the Knights' first tournament appearance of the fall. Mitchell, finishing the tournament 8 -over par, doesn't let her freshman class standing affect her attitude when it comes to her game.
"It was really cool and it was exciting to lead my team especially being the youngest one on the team." Mitchell said, "It was a good experience and it really boosts my confidence and makes me feel like it doesn't matter how young I am and I can do it if I just believe."
A native of Fernandina Beach, Mitchell has been playing golf since she could walk but growing up she preferred playing basketball. It wasn't until the age of 13 that Mitchell made golf a priority in her life after being told she had bigger opportunities in the sport.
When it came time to decide where to further her golf career, UCF was an easy decision. The UCF practice facilities, golf courses and opportunities to play in Orlando were some of the deciding factors in Mitchell's decision. She spoke highly of her initial interactions with head coach Courtney Trimble and her determination to win. But ultimately Katie's decision to play at UCF was more personal.
"I had prayed about it a lot with my family and I just felt at peace with it and I loved the coach and it just seemed like that is where God wanted me to be."
After reflecting upon her first tournament of the season, Mitchell is really enjoying the game of golf at the collegiate level.
"It was more of a team atmosphere," Mitchell said about the tournament. "You are not only playing for yourself anymore, but you are playing as a team. It was a lot more fun than high school and junior golf. It's definitely at the next level and the players were a lot better that we were competing against."
When not playing golf, Mitchell participates in the Chi Alpha organization and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes on campus ministry. A communications major, Mitchell says her favorite thing about UCF is being a student-athlete.
Mitchell and the Knights return to action on Monday and Tuesday as they play 54 holes in the Lady Northern Invitational in French Lick, Ind.