Texas Tech University Athletics
Meeting Kendyl Mygatt and Lauren Yelinek
July 16, 2008 | Women's Soccer
July 16, 2008
LUBBOCK, Texas - With fall practices less than a month away, the incoming class of Red Raider soccer players is already on campus and taking summer classes. Since all 11 newcomers are currently enrolled, they can participate in summer workouts. We will try to meet all the newcomers this summer, and today we have Kendyl Mygatt and Lauren Yelinek.
Mygatt, an Atlanta, Georgia, native, previously played for the Tophat soccer club, while Yelinek hails from Ludlow, Mass., and comes from the Boston Bolts.
Q&A with Lauren and Kendyl
What is the main difference between your hometown and Lubbock?
Lauren: "Ludlow is much smaller, and a lot more into soccer than football, but Lubbock's got so much spirit! You don't really see as much excitement and enthusiasm for a school in New England. I love my home with my family and friends (I lived there my whole life), but I'm really looking forward to loving Lubbock, too!"
Kendyl: The main difference between Lubbock and Atlanta would have to be the lack of trees!"
Being here a couple of weeks already, what are some things you enjoy about Lubbock?
Lauren: "It's a really relaxed atmosphere this summer, and everyone is so friendly! It's got a ton of great places to eat, and I love everyone's accents."
Kendyl: Sheridan's Custard Ice Cream. It's so delicious! Also, the cool morning and evenings and no humidity."
Why did you choose to come to Texas Tech?
Lauren: I became interested in Tech through soccer, but I guess the main reason was to experience something different, and this is way different that Massachusetts. I absolutely love my hometown, but opportunities like these don't come around often, so I really wanted to take advantage of it and give this a try."
Kendyl: "I chose to come to Tech because of soccer and what they provided me academically. Also, the small college town atmosphere is amazing."
What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season?
Lauren: "I'm hoping our freshman group can really contribute to last year's team who worked so hard and had a lot of success. I know we have a lot of respect for them, so if we can help build an even better team and have an even more successful season, that's great."
Kendyl: "I look forward to playing with these fun bunch of girls and hopefully having the best season yet."
What are some personal goals you have set for this season?
Lauren: "Obviously, I hope to become a better player and make a positive impact on the team, but if I play, I'll be happy!"
Kendyl: "Some personal goals for the season are working my way up to that starting position and helping the team as much as I can."
How do you feel about your new teammates?
Lauren: "The upperclassmen are great, and we really appreciate how nice they've been since this is such a big transition so early. We've got a pretty big incoming class, but everyone is friendly and nice, so it's been fun! It's nice having so many people around you going through the same thing, and I'm happy it's a great group of people."
Kendyl: "The girls are great! They are so much fun and accepting. They are the type of girls that will always be there for you and encourage you every step of the way."
What's your favorite part about being a Red Raider?
Lauren: "I'm so proud to be a Red Raider with all of the tradition and history here, and that everyone says "Guns Up" all the time. You don't hear much of that at schools up north."
Kendyl: "The 5 a.m. wake-ups and 6 a.m. workouts."
