FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (October 3, 2018) – Our Q&A athlete of the week for Northern Arizona golf is sophomore Lexi Keene. Lexi is an accounting major from Bakersfield, Calif., she has big aspirations for her future golf career and understands the commitment and hard work it will take to get there.
Q: What motivates you on a daily basis to be a student-athlete?
A: I enjoy the challenge of being a student-athlete. Juggling classes, practice, fitness and travel all take a level of focus and discipline that I did not know I had. I am motivated because accomplishing all those things is very rewarding. Being surrounded by such a supportive athlete community with a great amount of enthusiasm helps motivate me as well.
Q: Who are some influential people in your life that have helped lead you to becoming a collegiate golfer?
A: My parents have been pivotal in my process. They are always honest with me and I know at the end of the day they are my biggest fans. More recently and directly involved in my process would be what I would call my "Life Mentor", Dave Barber aka Gramps! I owe my rediscovered love for golf and life to him. He has spent countless hours with me teaching me about everything from how to fix my swing, to how to be a productive leader.
Q: What advice do you have for incoming student athletes?
A: Show up and be ready to be humbled. No matter how competent you may be in any area of your life, there will be hurdles once you transition. If you come in knowing that it won't hit you as hard as it hit me. Work hard and soak up every second.
Q: What are your goals and aspirations for the 2018-2019 season?
A: I want to learn something new about myself and my game every tournament. I got into the game of golf a little later than most collegiate level golfers, so I am still gaining experience. I know that I have what it takes to be great. With more experience I know I am capable of winning tournaments. More importantly, I want to continue to be a positive leader for our young team. We learn from each other every day and I hope that continues to be our culture.
Q: Being one of the few veterans on the team, how have you adapted to the mentor and leadership role that brings?
A: I was raised to be a leader. Honestly, I had some hardships my first year that I had to navigate. I was not comfortable enough to vocalize these issues. My goal is to make them feel comfortable enough to reach out to the older girls on the team for help if they need it. It is not an easy transition to make. However, with the right resources we can all get through college together.
Q: What are some of your favorite things about Flagstaff and NAU?
A: I love Flagstaff! Some of my fondest memories as a child were being outside in the beautiful wilderness of Northern California. No place will ever match that, but Flagstaff is a beautiful reminder. The golf courses we use are stunning. Here on campus I am involved with our Catholic Newman Center and it is honestly one of my favorite things about living here.
Q: What are your aspirations for life after college?
A: After college I plan on turning pro. It has been a dream of mine since I picked up the game. I have a great team behind me. We have a will to do whatever it takes and with that nothing is going to stop myself or the girls on my team from succeeding in life.
NAU golf's next tournament is at the New Mexico State Aggie Invitational hosted by New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, N.M., from October 8th to October 10th.
