Published: May 21, 2008 10:52 am            

Weatherford’s Rozendall joins Aggies at NMSU

Weatherford senior Kelsie Rozendaal made her commitment to play basketball and attend classes at New Mexico State University “hometown” official Tuesday in a brief signing ceremony at the WHS Outback. With her eyes fixed for several years on the goal of continuing her athletic career into college, Rozendaal has built up impressive credentials on the way. She was selected to the first-team all-district squad three years running and has been named to the all-state academic team, as well.

The hard work has paid off for Rozendaal, who heads west in the fall to begin classes and basketball at NMSU’s home in Las Cruces. Understandably, she looks forward to the coming year.

“It is a very big thrill,” Rozendaal said. “Ever since my freshman year in high school, I’ve always wanted to play college ball, and so to have this opportunity is just a blessing. This just what I’ve always wanted to do and I’m really happy.”

The 6-0 senior was eyeing NMSU before she ever went to visit the university, and a trip to the campus just confirmed what she already believed to be her eventual destination.

“I went there for an official visit and I loved everything,” Rozendaal said. “The coaches are very nice and very approachable. I played with the girls, and it’s my style of basketball. I had a great time playing with them. And it’s beautiful out there. I got very excited.

“I’ve always wanted to play in a Division I college,” Rozendaal said, “and particularly ever since I watched New Mexico State play on TV, I was like ‘That’s where I want to go to school.’ So, it’s pretty cool that I have ended up going there.”

Rozendaal is very matter-of-fact regarding the direction of studies she will pursue toward her college degree and beyond. With the intent to carry on in the realm of athletics, she has the plan laid out.

“I am going to major in Kinesiology and after I get my undergraduate degree I want to go to physical therapy school,” Rozendaal said.

Receiving Kudos from the NMSU head coach regarding her ability to be effective on the perimeter and when posting up, Rozendaal wants to make sure that she is prepared to fill any role asked of her.

“I’m trying to broaden my horizons,” Rozendaal said. “I’ve been working out, trying to get quicker and stronger so that I can play inside, as well as outside.”

With NMSU losing five seniors from last year’s team, which made it to the WAC tourney title game, Rozendaal knows that the newcomers to the program will have to step up early to continue the success that the Aggies have enjoyed, and welcomes the challenge and potential for lots of minutes on the court.

“I hope so,” Rozendaal said, when asked about the prospect of considerable playing time as a freshman. “I’m trying to work really hard so I can start playing [right away].

“We have a good group of girls coming in this year, also recruited. We have three other freshmen coming in and a junior college recruit transferring, so I think it will be a good year.”

Not exactly just a Sunday drive from Weatherford to Las Cruces, Rozendaal thinks that other avenues of communication will stave off much of the potential yearning for home, family and friends when she hits the New Mexico State campus. But she still looks forward to the occasional reunions that will offer themselves.

“I think it will be fine,” Rozendaal said of attending college out-of-state. “I don’t really get that homesick, but they are going to come out and see me. I’ll also come visit whenever I have the chance. You know, with phone calls and the computer and everything, it’ll be fine.

“[The Aggies] play Louisiana Tech, which is near Shreveport, so I’m pretty sure I’ll have a pretty big fan base coming to those games.”

        

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