Roberts Picks Centenary for College Golf

WATONGA – Another Watonga athlete has made her college choice, as Kaylee Roberts last week signed a letter of intent to attend Centenary College of Louisiana and play golf for the Ladies, as their female athletes are known.

The signing came during a celebration in the Watonga High School gymnasium with Roberts’ family, golf instructors and classmates. Roberts is a member of the first Watonga Golf team that teed off this spring.

She told the Watonga Republican that she “grew up around” golf but never really considered playing it until recently. “I kind of took it as a hobby,” Roberts said, “and then I really enjoyed it. So I just decided to continue it further.”

Roberts said the Centenary coach reached out to her and she had a chance to visit the Shreveport campus over spring break. “When I went and visited I knew it was the place,” Roberts said. “It was beautiful and they had all the opportunities I could ask for. It was the perfect college.”

Roberts’ Watonga coach Brandon Gallagher said he just started working with Roberts recently, but said she’s a quick learner who will excel at the next level.

“For her first year, she’s done very, very well,” Gallagher said. “And from the time I saw her at the first tournament … her scores are coming down.”

Gallagher said Roberts is just “starting to scratch the surface” of her ability. “She has a chance to really improve. … She definitely has a lot of upside.”

Roberts credited her family and coaches for helping her reach the next level. “Just a big thank you,” she said. “Through all the ups and downs, and all the many high school things that I’ve had to endure, they’ve always been there to help me and keep me pushing forward.”

Centenary is a private, four-year liberal arts college whose athletes compete at the NCAA Division III level. Roberts’ twin sister Haylee will also be attending Centenary this fall, she said. Kaylee Roberts competed this week at the 2A Regional tournament at the Falconhead country club in Burneyville.