As Tennessee Tech prepares for its final season in the Ohio Valley Conference, Kailey Lane said she is finding her stride at just the right time. Lane said she did not see her freshman honors coming.
“I don’t think I was expecting to be on the second team or on the newcomer team so I was definitely shocked,” Lane said. “It was a great experience and also still being supported by each of my teammates helps build confidence.”
Lane was named All-OVC Second Team and earned a spot on the OVC All-Newcomer Team following her first full collegiate season. Lane said the awards were affirmation, but the real growth happened long before the postseason recognition.
Lane said she still remembers walking onto the course at Caledonia for her first collegiate tournament last fall, nervous, unsure and adjusting to the faster pace of Division I competition. Lane said with encouragement from teammates and steady rounds under her belt, she began settling into her role. By season’s end, she was regularly contributing to Tennessee Tech’s lineup and lowering her scores.
“It’s a struggle day to day just trusting in my game,” Lane said. “But I would say that this year compared to last year, I have definitely grown as a player just trusting in myself and taking some [mental] breaks when needed.”
Lane said the biggest difference in her game has come around the greens. Lane said she and the Golden Eagles dedicate significant time to short-game work in practice, between chipping, pitching and putting.
“If you don’t have those, it’s definitely pretty difficult to shoot around par,” Lane said. “So definitely a little bit of luck and some putts going [into the hole.]”
Lane has posted competitive rounds throughout her time at Tennessee Tech, including low scores that have kept her in contention at multiple tournaments. Her improved consistency has helped steady Tennessee Tech’s lineup as the team eyes something bigger.
This spring carries added weight for the Golden Eagles. It marks Tennessee Tech’s final season in the Ohio Valley Conference before the university transitions to the Southern Conference next school year. Lane said she wants to see Tennessee Tech win the conference title before the program closes this chapter.