WGolf Off-Season Q&A: Ali Kruse
2/24/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
Ali Kruse (Overland Park, Kan.) will look to put a stamp on what has been arguably the greatest career in the brief history of Seton Hall women's golf. The Pirates' career leader in stroke average as well as top-5 and top-10 finishes, she is coming off a strong fall season in which she helped lead The Hall to victories at the Bucknell and St. John's Invitationals. Kruse's top performance of the fall was a 6-over-par, seventh-place finish at the William & Mary Invitational. She also finished 10th at the Bucknell Invite.
Coach Doell's thoughts on Ali:
"Ali has been such a great success story for our program. When Ali was a freshman, she had talent and confidence; however, she was lacking strong competitive experience. Three and a half years later, Ali has improved her short game, her ball striking and her course management tremendously and the difference is seen in her scores. She has shaved 4 shots off of her scoring average from freshman year and has been a steady leader for this program.
Academically, Ali has proven to be very dedicated to her studies. Last year she received the Award for the highest GPA of any female junior student athlete and I would not be surprised to see her earn that award for the senior class. Ali is a strong leader both in the class room and on the golf course. I am continually impressed with her and am excited to see her close out a strong career this spring on a great note."
1. What were the main factors guiding your decision to attend Seton Hall and compete for the Pirates?
Once I came to Seton Hall on my visit I knew this is where I would spend my next four years. The main factors that caused me to commit were SHU's strong academics, community feeling of a small to medium size school and finally my ability to grow with my team and make an immediate impact as a freshman.
2. What are some of your best experiences at Seton Hall, to date?
Wow, tough question. I would have to say I enjoy the SHU community, just walking through campus and always knowing someone and saying hello. I also believe that we have a beautiful campus, especially at Christmas time. I love the way the Christmas tree looks in front of President's Hall (it's my phone background every winter!) Of course the major highlight of my Seton Hall experience are my teammates and Coach.
3. What are you most proud of in your athletic career?
My favorite athletic moments would have to be winning the St. John's Invitational in 2012, shooting -4 (68) my final round of the Cincinnati Invitational and helping my team win the 2014 Big East Championship.
4. What are you studying and why did you decide to choose that major?
I'm a Finance and Information Technology Management major. I always knew I would be a business major, it just seemed to fit my personality well. Basically I like math, people and computers.
5. What three words would you use to describe yourself as a student-athlete?
Driven, Thoughtful and Ambitious
6. What three words would you use to describe your team?
Beautiful, Compassionate and Hilarious
7. If you could go back to your freshman self, what advice would you give yourself?
Don't be afraid to say no to opportunities you aren't interested in, but make sure to push yourself to find something that really motivates you, a true passion. Being able to work hard and enjoy what you're doing at the same time is a very rewarding experience.
8. What are your plans after school?
I'm excited to say that I've accepted a position with HSBC for their Graduate Analyst Program in NYC. After training and a few rotations through the company, I'll sit on the Debt Capital Markets Desk for the United States.
