Even in the midst of a pandemic, the summer months provide Chico State student-athletes with a well-deserved break from the stresses of both classwork and competition. Not every Wildcat shifts down to idle mode during the summer break, however. Women’s golf standout Natalie Kinney spent the time immersing herself in a rewarding internship program with a well-known Chico insurance company, and gained not only practical career experience but a special scholarship award from the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers. Kinney’s productivity over the summer makes her the latest Wildcat of the Week.
Kinney, an integral part of head coach Heather Fegley’s Wildcat squad since 2017, enjoyed an amazing experience as a summer intern for InterWest Insurance Services.
“I learned so much and everyone there made me feel welcome,” Kinney said. “We worked on projects, case studies, shadowed client calls, and I learned a lot about networking and marketing. I started out there knowing the bare minimum about insurance, and now I have a solid understanding of the industry.”
The Council Foundation Scholarship is awarded to just 50 insurance agency interns nationwide, and winning the award came as a complete surprise to Kinney. “I was absolutely thrilled and honored when I found out I was a scholarship recipient,” she said. “It meant a lot that InterWest had nominated me for the scholarship. It is such a great opportunity.”
Kinney also found time during the summer to keep her golf game razor sharp.
“Thankfully, I have been able to get out and play a lot of golf during the pandemic,” Kinney said. “I can’t think of a better sport to play—you can still see your friends or teammates and be six feet apart! It’s a great way to pass the time and helps everything feel a little more normal.”
Like all Chico State students, Kinney, an agriculture business major, has had to make the adjustment to all-virtual classes.
“The transition to all-virtual classes is definitely weird,” Kinney said. “I love being in-person and being on campus. All of my professors are super engaging and trying to make this semester the best they can. It helps a lot.”
With uncertainly still swirling as a result of the pandemic, Kinney remains optimistic that the Wildcats will be able to tee it up again before next summer rolls around.
“I am hopeful that we will be able to compete again in the spring,” Kinney said. “It helps me stay motivated and working towards my goals. I am anxious to compete again and to play with my new teammates!”
Kinney remains upbeat about the future, and when asked if she had any words of wisdom for other Chico State athletes, she was quick to offer a positive response.
“I would tell my fellow Wildcat student-athletes to take care of themselves and each other,” Kinney said. “Be kind and keep looking forward. These tough times won’t last forever.”
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