Hard work pays off

On Friday,January 6, 2012 in front of family, friends, and teammates Laken McKinney, a senior at Fairveiw High School in Westwood Kentucky, signed her National Letter of Intent to play girls golf for the Univeristy of Pikeville this fall. Laken is the first student to receive a scholarship for golf in Fairview history.


Laken began playing golf only three years ago, and for her to go from a beginner to getting a college scholarship so quickly, is impressive to say the least. I was fortunate enough to be along for the ride.


You see, her father (Raymond McKinney) and I have worked together for the last 10 years at Whayne Supply Company in Ashland, Kentucky. During that time we have become very close friends. Raymond and I started playing golf with the guys from work on the weekends, and in no time at all we were hooked. We started playing more and more with Laken often tagging along. It didn't take long for us realize that Laken had a real feel for the game. In just a couple of months, Laken was outplaying us everytime we stepped on the course. Not that we are good, to be honest we suck, but it wasn't just us she was beating. It was then, Laken decided she wanted to play golf in high school.


Ray organized and coached the first ever girls golf team in Fairview High School history. It didn't take long for Laken to make a name for herself. In her second year playing high school golf, she was finishing near the top of every golf match she played in. Not to mention, qualifying for All A State two years in a row, once as an individual and once as a team when Fairview won the All A 16th region. That was enough to garner the attention of several college coaches.

I asked Ray some questions about it all, and here are his answers:

What has the past year been like for you?

"Her mother (Melony McKinney) and I were both surprised, and excited. We could not believe how fast she improved in the game. Going from a beginner to a college athlete is just amazing."

How many schools were actively recruiting Laken?

"We were receiving calls from 5 different schools; Pikeville, Thomas Moore, Asbury, Spalding, and Oakland. A lot of phone calls from all 5 schools. It was crazy."

What did you think when she started receiving scholarship offers?

"It was just unreal. We couldn't believe how far she had come."

Why did she choose Pikeville?

"She really just liked the size of the campus. She thought it had an atmosphere a lot like her high school. A good education is important to us, as well as Laken, and we felt that Pikeville was the best place for her academically, as well as golf. Her mother and I liked it because it was close enough to home that we could go watch her matches. Pikeville put in the most effort to get her to sign, and Laken really liked the coaching staff and the other girls on the team. "


Not only did Laken standout on the golf course with her 18 hole average of 90, but she excells in the classroom as well. Laken has carried a near 4.0 (3.98) all through school, and is ranked 5th in her class, as well as Co-Salutatorian.


My wife and I couldn't be more proud of Laken, after becoming close friends with Ray and Melony, she feels like a daughter to us. And we look forward to watching her play in college.


Laken is a true example of what hard work and dedication can accomplish. I can think of no one more deserving than her.


Congratulations Laken!