NKU men’s and women’s golf teams kicked off the season with a fundraising event at Birdie Bound in Alexandria, Ky. The golf center, which opened in December, hosted the event with golf simulators as well as food and drinks. The biggest attraction of the night was the opportunity for donors to meet and greet with Cincinnati Bengals star defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
Hendrickson is coming off his eighth overall season and fourth with the Bengals. He was a finalist this season for defensive player of the year and has made the Pro Bowl in all four of his seasons with the Bengals.
Players from men’s and women’s golf assisted in a golf simulator drive competition, offering tips and pointers on how the guests could perfect their score.
While the event was for fun, there was a greater inspiration for the event.
“We needed to broaden community support,” NKU women’s golf Associate Head Coach Melissa Yeazell said.
Hendrickson said he knew this was important for both him and the university.
“I think it’s really special–bringing awareness to NKU golf. It’s a wonderful little event, and I wanted to golf the way it’s supposed to be,” Hendrickson said.
The Bengals star added he wanted to give back to a community that means so much to him– the place where his son was born and his wife completed her residency.
“I have a lot in common with the blue-collar community in what I do and the way I play. I love the city. Cincinnati is home–we love it here.”
The players acknowledged the event was a great opportunity to bring more eyes to the sport.
“We just want to grow the game of golf,” senior golfer Rachel DiDonato said. “We want to grow the program, too, and just show people how great it is and how good it can be.”
“I think this is a great idea and a great way to get the community engaged with our program,” University of Cincinnati transfer Kenna Jenkinson said.
Cooper Eberle, a junior men’s golfer, added the event was important because it provides the resources, equipment and travel assistance they need to be at their best.
The team has been preparing for this season focusing on speed training, as well as putting and wedges. The consensus from the group was that the biggest focus has been the mental aspect.
“I’ve been working on mental toughness—making sure when I hit bad shots, it doesn’t drag me down the rest of the round. Just trying to get better every day,” Eberle said.
“I’d say a lot of acceptance–not letting anything bother me out there. Treating every shot the same, with the same intensity,” freshman golfer Brady Holmes said.
Jenkinson added reading has helped strengthen their mental fortitude. They have all been reading “With Winning in Mind: The Mental Management System” by Lanny Bassham to reach where they aim to be mentally.
The magnitude of support from an athlete like Hendrickson was not lost on the players.
“It’s great because it shows there’s a community of athletics. It shows he cares about our community and smaller sports,” DiDonato said.
“He’s a bigger athlete, so he makes us feel well known. He sees himself as just another person, so he can connect with many people.” Jenkinson said.
“It’s really important. It gives the whole program a boost to know guys like that are willing to help us out. [It] shows how much the area believes in us and wants us to do well,” Eberle said.
As for NKU golf, the team is optimistic and is having fun showing their dedication and competing with one another, as they become a tight-knit group heading into the season. Through all the fun, there is still a clear goal for the whole group.
“We want the championship. We want it to be ring season,” DiDonato said.