University of Minnesota Athletics
Get to Know the Newcomer: Kira Wolf
11/6/2020 2:00:00 PM | Women's Golf
Get to know freshman Kira Wolf, a four-time state qualifier from Mattoon, Ill.
MINNEAPOLIS- The Gophers women's golf team welcomes freshman Kira Wolf to the team for the 2020-21 season and it is time to get to know the newcomer!
Wolf is a four-time state tournament qualifier in Illinois, finishing in the top-25 each time including a sixth-place finish her freshman year. On the Mid-American Junior Golf Tour circuit, Wolf has earned eight top-10s, including medalist honors at the 2017 MAJGT University of Illinois Open. She holds the nine hole and 18-hole records at her high school, with scores of 31 and 62, respectively. This past summer, Wolf shot her fourth career hole-in-one.
Gopher Sports: How did you choose the University of Minnesota?
Kira Wolf: When picking what school I wanted to go to it was really important that they had great academics and great team chemistry. When I visited the University of Minnesota I immediately fell in love with the campus. Not only did the school have great academics, but they also had amazing staff and resources for student athletes. The coaching staff was a huge part of my decision to go to the U because they are so supportive and beyond amazing. I felt an instant connection to the coaches and team, and I knew right when I got on campus that this was where I was going to call home.
GS: What are you most excited about for your freshman season?
KW: I am most excited to compete on the college level for the first time and to travel with the team. I am also really excited to start practicing in our new indoor facility which is really a game changer for everyone on our team's game. I am all around just excited to start this new chapter and get better each day.
GS: How have the upperclassmen welcomed you to the team?
KW: I could not have asked for a better group of girls to be teammates with. They all have been so welcoming to me and have taken me under their wing. It has been a little hard being the only recruit my year, so they have done a great job at making me feel included and a part of the team.
GS: was it like to get your fourth hole-in-one this summer?
KW: It was such a shock. Getting a hole-in-one is one of those things where it doesn't really register what is happening at first, and then you finally realize that you actually just had a hole-in-one. Fortunately, I was able to get it on video which usually doesn't ever happen so it is really cool that I will be able to have that memory forever. It was definitely a surreal moment. It had been around 3 years since I had my third one, so it was really unexpected but a fun memory that I will never forget.
GS: What was it like to be a four-time state tournament qualifier in Illinois?
KW: I was so blessed to have a great coach and support team at home that helped me to get where I needed to be each year. Every year my goal was to qualify for state and ultimately to win. I reached my goal of going to state every year, but every time fell short of my end goal. I am proud of myself for always being in contention for the lead, but not winning state taught me a lot. I realized what areas of my game I needed to work on and how to keep my mental game on track. I think not reaching my goal of winning state has brought out a more competitive side of me that I need to have a successful college career and I can't wait to start competing.
GS: How old were you when you started golf?
KW: I started hitting balls when I was nine, but I started playing in tournaments at 10. My dad always loved golf and would take me out with him and my sister when I was young. My older sister who is nine years older than me played collegiate golf at Eastern Illinois University and I looked up to her growing up. She always pushed me to be better than her and always took me out to practice. She made the sport so fun for me and she sparked my drive to be the best I can be. I owe my dedication and love of the sport to my mom, dad and my sister Tiffany.
GS: What do you like to do outside of golf?
KW: Outside of golf, I am a really crafty person. My mom and I love to do sewing projects, crafts and baking. I also love to workout and have lake days with my friends.
GS: What field of study are you most interested in?
KW: I am really interested in majoring in Kinesiology because I like learning about how the body works and physical fitness. I am planning on going into occupational or physical therapy after college.
Quick Hits
Favorite music genre: Pop
Last TV show you binge watched: The Vampire Diaries
Favorite season: Summer
Go-to ice cream flavor: Chocolate
Celebrity crush: Chris Evans or Dave Franco
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?: Invisibility
Favorite book: Harry Potter