Long Beach State University Athletics
Hoey Featured On Golfweek.com
10/25/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
Oct. 25, 2008
By Dan Mirocha, Golfweek
HOEY'S APPROACH DIFFERS FROM THE NORM
Kay Hoey already has it figured out. In fact, she's so far ahead of the curve, after graduating this spring, the Long Beach State senior might as well tour the country to share her story with other college athletes.
Her slogan: A year away from college golf might not be so bad.
That's right, the former Big West player and freshman of the year, two-time All-American and winner of six tournaments in three years, decided to redshirt last year in order to work on her game. In turn, her whole world changed.
"I actually appreciate golf more now," Hoey said. "Before it was almost like a job."
Coach Sue Ewart approached Hoey midway through her junior year with the idea that taking a redshirt year might give her star player the best opportunity to improve her game enough to have a successful professional career. Hoey warmed to the idea that spring and, after playing in her second NCAA Championship as an individual, hung up her plastic spikes at the end of the 2007 season.
"It's about personal growth," Ewart said. "I told her, `Just don't go down the road that everyone else does.' "
When Hoey arrived back on campus last year, the adjustment was initially difficult. The team's go-to player was confined to practice and didn't travel with the team. For the first time, Hoey played cheerleader instead of superstar.
"I was used to getting text messages from the girls who were at home saying, `Good luck. Play well,' " Hoey said. "Then I became the one sending the text messages. It was kind of an out-of-body experience."
Hoey quickly embraced her new role and, in addition to improving her own game, helped her teammates work on theirs. However, it was Hoey's experience outside of golf that really opened her eyes.
"I got to see what it was to be a normal student, not just a golfer or an athlete," she said.
Hoey concentrated even more on academics - "All of a sudden, I was getting all these A's," she said - and had more time to hang out with family and friends. Her life became more balanced and her attitude grew more relaxed. Still, the itch for competitive golf remained.
Hoey steered clear of a rigorous amateur schedule over the summer, but continued to work on her game. Despite not qualifying for the U.S. Women's Amateur or Amateur Public Links, Hoey rejoined the 49ers this fall with plenty of confidence.
After tying for 11th in her first event back, Hoey's magic returned.
At the Heather Farr Memorial Invitational Sept. 30, Hoey closed with a 1-under 71 to win her seventh career title and first since the 2007 Big West Conference Championship.
"It wasn't like another win," Hoey said. "This was like I was back. I knew that I could still do it.
"It was like putting on an old pair of running shoes. It just felt right."
Hoey's stellar play continued the following week at the Edean Ihanfeldt, where she led after two rounds. However, she dropped to a tie for third after shooting 81 in the final round. It would have been a devastating finish for most players, but Hoey is staying positive. She said she'll enter LPGA Q-School next year to see what happens.
"I'm not sure exactly what's in store for me. But, I'm not really worried about that," Hoey said. "I discovered a new part of myself, kind of like a new person."
Players Mentioned
