This past December, junior Kelsey Kurnett received a scholarship offer from the women’s golf team. But, what’s unique is that she was the team manager her freshman and sophomore years before walking on.
Everything’s that’s happened to me is so surreal,” Kurnett said.
A December to Remember
It all began when it was time for the team’s Christmas party, and that day, Kurnett was sick with the flu. She joined her team anyway, and after Secret Santa and a gift exchange, there was one more surprise. It was one that would change Kelsey’s life.
From Manager to Walk-On
During her sophomore year, Kelsey traveled to California with the team. She realized from watching the team compete, she too, had what it took.
“I was like, ‘I can do this. I love this so much. I’ve been around it, I know how to do it, I’m going to do it,'” Kurnett said.
Describing herself, Kelsey said she’s not confrontational.
“I knew that if I never spoke up and shared my voice, then he would never know.”
Kelsey presented her case to head coach Josh Brewer. A few conditions were set along with a promise of hard work. She then walked on to the women’s golf team.
Life on Scholarship
Now, she is finishing her junior year and first semester on scholarship.
“I think she’s finally comfortable being a part of the golf team,” said Brewer. “It’s very refreshing, as a coach, for someone to be so thankful for what we have.”
Her favorite memory from the spring was from the Liz Murphy Collegiate Classic. This UGA-hosted tournament brought Kurnett’s family and friends out to watch and support her. Those are the people, she said, that have followed her golf journey from the beginning.
“It’s really cool and exciting to know that I think I’ve found where I’m supposed to be,” she said.
Dani Terzer is a senior majoring in journalism in the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia.
