University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Golf
Off the Course: Grace Kellar
12/28/2018 2:34:00 PM | Women's Golf
With the spring season kicking off February 2, Gopher Sports will be featuring Q&As with each Minnesota women's golfer. Up next is sophomore Grace Kellar. Kellar, an Edina, Minn. native, is coming off of a record-setting fall season with the Gophers. She started the year by setting career bests in round and tournament score with a 68 and 214. She also set a new record for finish as she tied for third, and had her best tournament score to par at two-under. She received Big Ten Golfer of the Week accolades for her accomplishments, Minnesota's first one since 2015. She led the Gophers in each of their fall tournaments and finished fall with an average of 72.92.
Gopher Sports: You led the team in the fall season, but you've showed a lot of individual growth between your freshman and sophomore year overall. What is the key to that?
Grace Kellar: Throughout my freshman year and into the summer, I focused on improving my mental game and minimizing mental mistakes. I used to let a small mistake snowball because I wasn't able to control my reaction to it, but now I have enough trust in my game and ability to come back from mistakes to not let one mistake ruin my round. Coach Redman has also helped me in so many ways which has attributed to my success on the golf course.
GS: You brought the Big Ten Golfer of the Week award back to Minnesota for the first time in years. How did that feel?
GK: Being awarded the Big Ten Golfer of the Week award was definitely one of the highlights of my season. It felt nice to see all of the work I had put into my game pay off so early in the season.
GS: Your mother was also a college golfer and your dad is a former Viking. What is that connection with them like and what have you learned from them?
GK: My parents have influenced me in many ways throughout athletics. Growing up, I would hear stories from my dad about playing at Northern Illinois and for the vikings and learned a lot about work ethic and passion from him. My mom has obviously been very influential in regards to golf and ultimately is the reason why I am playing on a college golf team. She has helped me in so many ways and has always been so encouraging and supportive. I wouldn't be where I am without her.
GS: As a Minnesota resident, reflect back and tell us what drove you to come to Minnesota?
GK: There are a couple of reasons as to why I chose the U. First, the coaching staff for our team is awesome. Coach Redman and coach Rutt care so much about us and have really good relationships with everyone on the team. Second, the academics are the U are very strong and that was a big factor that I considered when looking at schools. Also, being a Minnesota resident, it is really close to home. Although I don't go home too often, it is nice being able to see my family for weekend brunches and at our two home tournaments.
GS: What has been the best part of being at Minnesota so far?
GK: I would say that the best part of being at Minnesota has been my team. Every person on the team cares so much for each other and I know that they will always be there for me. I have made so many memories with them and I am very thankful that they are in my life.
GS: What is something that Gopher fans should know about you?
GK: I went to a French emersion elementary school and continued with French throughout high school which was a cool experience. I used to be fluent but have lost a little bit of it, I still really enjoy the language!
Gopher Sports: You led the team in the fall season, but you've showed a lot of individual growth between your freshman and sophomore year overall. What is the key to that?
Grace Kellar: Throughout my freshman year and into the summer, I focused on improving my mental game and minimizing mental mistakes. I used to let a small mistake snowball because I wasn't able to control my reaction to it, but now I have enough trust in my game and ability to come back from mistakes to not let one mistake ruin my round. Coach Redman has also helped me in so many ways which has attributed to my success on the golf course.
GS: You brought the Big Ten Golfer of the Week award back to Minnesota for the first time in years. How did that feel?
GK: Being awarded the Big Ten Golfer of the Week award was definitely one of the highlights of my season. It felt nice to see all of the work I had put into my game pay off so early in the season.
GS: Your mother was also a college golfer and your dad is a former Viking. What is that connection with them like and what have you learned from them?
GK: My parents have influenced me in many ways throughout athletics. Growing up, I would hear stories from my dad about playing at Northern Illinois and for the vikings and learned a lot about work ethic and passion from him. My mom has obviously been very influential in regards to golf and ultimately is the reason why I am playing on a college golf team. She has helped me in so many ways and has always been so encouraging and supportive. I wouldn't be where I am without her.
GS: As a Minnesota resident, reflect back and tell us what drove you to come to Minnesota?
GK: There are a couple of reasons as to why I chose the U. First, the coaching staff for our team is awesome. Coach Redman and coach Rutt care so much about us and have really good relationships with everyone on the team. Second, the academics are the U are very strong and that was a big factor that I considered when looking at schools. Also, being a Minnesota resident, it is really close to home. Although I don't go home too often, it is nice being able to see my family for weekend brunches and at our two home tournaments.
GS: What has been the best part of being at Minnesota so far?
GK: I would say that the best part of being at Minnesota has been my team. Every person on the team cares so much for each other and I know that they will always be there for me. I have made so many memories with them and I am very thankful that they are in my life.
GS: What is something that Gopher fans should know about you?
GK: I went to a French emersion elementary school and continued with French throughout high school which was a cool experience. I used to be fluent but have lost a little bit of it, I still really enjoy the language!
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