Alana "Ali" Krendick '23 Recruiting Profile

My name is Alana “Ali” Krendick and I am a Native American graduating 2023 student from Notre Dame Preparatory High School, Scottsdale, Arizona. At the age of four my parents who are both golfers introduced me to the game of golf with no pressure but to learn a sport that can be played for a lifetime. During my elementary school years I would register to play in both U.S Kids Golf and PGA, Jr tournaments to get a feel for competitive golf. As I played in these tournaments I realized that playing golf for the love of the game wasn’t enough and that I was hooked with the competitive side of the game. In 6th grade I was the only female that would try out for the Co-Ed JV Golf team. I made the team and I would consistently qualify for the travel team. As a female player I would have to prove to my male teammates/classmates at every tournament that I deserved to be on the travel team.The pressure for me to perform was much greater and I welcomed the challenge. I consistently  placed 1st or 2nd on the travel team and eventually the boys would come to respect my game and what I contributed to the team. During this time I was also competing in JGAA tournaments and working with private coaches to improve my skills. It was an honor to be voted MVP as I finished my time on the JV team. I admit after playing three years with my male peers this experience ultimately made me a stronger and more confident player.

For high school I chose to transfer to play on an all girls team. My first challenging and exciting experience during freshman year was playing for a new school on a new team and being the only player to qualify individually for the AIA State Championship. I was disappointed that we didn’t qualify as a team and we would not be traveling together and competing. I would go on to qualify for State my sophomore and junior year as well as continue to play in JGAA tournaments. In my four years with the Varsity girls golf program I have had 5 different coaches. The program continues to be in a developmental stage and with that comes a lot of uncertainty.  Over the years most of the players have resigned and although I can emphasize why players made that decision, quitting  was never an option for me. Currently, I am one of two players on the team. I am honored to represent my school and I am proud of my commitment to the program given the circumstances. My loyalty, dedication, tenacity, leadership, grit and hard work would never let me consider quitting something that I have started. If you’re looking for a player that you know will show up, be there for the team and compete to the very last putt then I would be an asset to your program.