Northwestern University Athletics
Getting To Know: Kacie Komoto
9/2/2015 11:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
As the defending Big Ten champions turn their attention to the 2015 golf season, NUSports.com caught up with junior Kacie Komoto to learn a little bit about her on and off the course. The First Team All-Big Ten honoree shares why she chose to attend Northwestern, her superstition, what's in her bag and more in this edition of "Getting to Know."
NUSports.com: When did you start playing golf and why?
Kacie Komoto: I first picked up a club when I was about 7 years old. When I was younger, my dad was always a big fan of the game so he was the main reason why I first started. I think he always wanted me to play because he thought it would help teach me important life values and provide me with a lot of opportunities.
Why did you choose to attend Northwestern?
Throughout the recruiting process, I knew that my two biggest priorities was finding a school with top academics and a strong golf program. Because of that, I found the best of both worlds with Northwestern. Growing up in Hawaii, I originally thought I would go to someplace on the west coast since it was closer to home, but when it came down to it, Northwestern was everything I was looking for in a college and it was too good of an opportunity to pass up!
Do you have any superstitions on the course?
I always match the round number to the number on my ball. So for example, if it's Round 1, I'll always tee off with a Titleist 1. It's a strange superstition that I never really understood but I always do it anyway.
What type of clubs do you play with?
For the past year I've been playing with all Callaway clubs, except my 5-wood, which is an Adams club that I've had for a few years now.
Favorite golf course?
That's a tough one. I've played a lot of amazing courses over the years, but I'd have to say that my favorite course is still Oahu Country Club, my home course back in Hawaii. I've spent a lot of time on that course, working on my game, so it has that "I'm home" type of feeling for me that never gets old.
Favorite spot on campus or in Evanston?
On campus, the Lakefill is always nice place to hang out. And in Evanston, I like going to the coffee shops/cafes in the area to study or to grab a bite to eat with friends. Hoosier Mama [Pie Company] is definitely one of my favorites!
What is the best part to having downtown Chicago so accessible?
I love being close to Chicago! It makes it easy for me and my teammates to hop on the Northwestern shuttle or a train to go downtown to shop, to eat, or even just to have a change of scenery.
Who has been the most influential person in your life thus far?
My parents. They've always complemented each other well. My Mom has always been the cheerleader in my life. She taught me to accept what I can't control, learn from my mistakes, and move on. My Dad on the other hand, was always the one who pushed me to give my best. Together they're the best support system I could ask for and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.
Favorite athlete?
Annika Sorenstam. In the world of women's golf she's a legend! I grew up watching her play and I've heard her speak on several occasions now and she always gives the best advice to the next generation of female golfers.
Beyond golf, what are your career goals?
Currently I'm majoring in Communication Studies, minoring in Business Institutions, as well as getting the Integrated Marketing Certificate. With that trio, I've been able to explore Marketing and Communications and I've really enjoyed what I've learned so far in school. On the other hand, I still have a lot of interest in turning professional after college. So as of now, my main goal is to take my game and my studies to the next level and see where that takes me over the next two years.
What are your hobbies off the course?
Since last fall, I've really enjoyed volunteering at the Evanston Animal Shelter. For half the shift we clean the shelter, the kennels, and the cages, but for the other half we get to socialize and play with the animals there, which has all been very rewarding for me. Not to mention, I think it's the best way to de-stress after exams!
NUSports.com: When did you start playing golf and why?
Kacie Komoto: I first picked up a club when I was about 7 years old. When I was younger, my dad was always a big fan of the game so he was the main reason why I first started. I think he always wanted me to play because he thought it would help teach me important life values and provide me with a lot of opportunities.
Why did you choose to attend Northwestern?
Throughout the recruiting process, I knew that my two biggest priorities was finding a school with top academics and a strong golf program. Because of that, I found the best of both worlds with Northwestern. Growing up in Hawaii, I originally thought I would go to someplace on the west coast since it was closer to home, but when it came down to it, Northwestern was everything I was looking for in a college and it was too good of an opportunity to pass up!
Do you have any superstitions on the course?
I always match the round number to the number on my ball. So for example, if it's Round 1, I'll always tee off with a Titleist 1. It's a strange superstition that I never really understood but I always do it anyway.
What type of clubs do you play with?
For the past year I've been playing with all Callaway clubs, except my 5-wood, which is an Adams club that I've had for a few years now.
Favorite golf course?
That's a tough one. I've played a lot of amazing courses over the years, but I'd have to say that my favorite course is still Oahu Country Club, my home course back in Hawaii. I've spent a lot of time on that course, working on my game, so it has that "I'm home" type of feeling for me that never gets old.
Favorite spot on campus or in Evanston?
On campus, the Lakefill is always nice place to hang out. And in Evanston, I like going to the coffee shops/cafes in the area to study or to grab a bite to eat with friends. Hoosier Mama [Pie Company] is definitely one of my favorites!
What is the best part to having downtown Chicago so accessible?
I love being close to Chicago! It makes it easy for me and my teammates to hop on the Northwestern shuttle or a train to go downtown to shop, to eat, or even just to have a change of scenery.
Who has been the most influential person in your life thus far?
My parents. They've always complemented each other well. My Mom has always been the cheerleader in my life. She taught me to accept what I can't control, learn from my mistakes, and move on. My Dad on the other hand, was always the one who pushed me to give my best. Together they're the best support system I could ask for and I wouldn't be where I am today without them.
Favorite athlete?
Annika Sorenstam. In the world of women's golf she's a legend! I grew up watching her play and I've heard her speak on several occasions now and she always gives the best advice to the next generation of female golfers.
Beyond golf, what are your career goals?
Currently I'm majoring in Communication Studies, minoring in Business Institutions, as well as getting the Integrated Marketing Certificate. With that trio, I've been able to explore Marketing and Communications and I've really enjoyed what I've learned so far in school. On the other hand, I still have a lot of interest in turning professional after college. So as of now, my main goal is to take my game and my studies to the next level and see where that takes me over the next two years.
What are your hobbies off the course?
Since last fall, I've really enjoyed volunteering at the Evanston Animal Shelter. For half the shift we clean the shelter, the kennels, and the cages, but for the other half we get to socialize and play with the animals there, which has all been very rewarding for me. Not to mention, I think it's the best way to de-stress after exams!
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