FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(article posted by Claire Norfleet, Student Sports Information Assistant)

Sep. 22, 2014 - The ability to compete in a sport at the collegiate level is a privilege that is earned, not just passed around. Competing in two sports, however, requires a wider realm of responsibilities to put forth and maintain.
           
For North Central College junior Kayla Koenig, the decision to play two sports in college was not one that had originally crossed her mind. In the fall and spring seasons, Koenig is a member of the women's golf team, and she also dedicates time in the winter and spring seasons to competing in throwing events for the Cardinals' indoor and outdoor track and field programs.
           
During her overnight recruiting visit on campus for golf, Koenig also attended a track meet where she spoke to a coach about the possibility of joining the track team.  
           
"Track was my stronger sport and I had a lot of different offers for it, but I wanted to golf in college," she said. "Honestly, I have loved playing both sports so far and I'm glad I have the opportunity to continue playing both."
           
A thrower for the past 10 years, Koenig hopes to start this outdoor season right where she left off. She posted a personal best in the shot put and placed fifth in the discus throw at the 2014 College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Outdoor Track & Field Championship, helping lead the team to a second straight first-place finish.
               
With only three events remaining for the 2014 fall golf season, including the CCIW Championships, Koenig, who ranks third on the team with an 18-hole average of 88.44 strokes per round, will continue to help rebuild a fairly young squad which finished second in last year's conference tournament. Once the spring season rolls around, golf and track will begin to overlap, forcing her to choose which weekends to devote to competitions for the two different sports. It is a balance she has successfully managed throughout her time at North Central.
           
"I have really good time management skills, which helps me a lot when it comes to playing two sports and being a full-time student-athlete," she said. "I have my priorities set straight, which are school then sports."
           
Following graduation, Koenig plans to attend graduate school and take The Uniform CPA Examination to become licensed as a U.S. Certified Public Accountant. Eventually, she hopes to work for the government as a forensic accountant dealing with fraud.
           
In the meantime, Koenig is focused on finishing out the golf season on a high note, but also looking forward to what she hopes will be a successful outdoor track season.
           
"Sometimes, not having much of a social life stinks, but I have to sacrifice something to be a successful student-athlete," said Koenig.

The Cardinals' women's golf team travels to Hulman Links Golf Course in Terre Haute, Indiana on Saturday and Sunday for the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Invitational.