CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – A Loveland, Ohio native, Katie Hallinan attended Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she was one of the team's founders and a three-time captain and Varsity MVP. Hallinan was the 2017 Ohio High School DI State Golf Champion, shooting 68-69 for a new state record and also holds the school record for 9 (29) and 18 (67) holes. Hallinan also earned eight top-10 AJGA finishes including back-to-back third place finishes at the 2016 Memorial Junior and City of London events. Nationally, she was a two-time Junior PGA Championship qualifier with a 33rd place finish in 2016. On the international scene, Hallinan was a three-time IMG Junior World Championship qualifier.

Steadily improving throughout the fall season, Hallinan competed as an individual for the Illini having a career-high finish, tying for 24th at the Trinity Forest Invitational in Dallas, Texas. At that same tournament, Hallinan also matched her low 54-hole score of 226 (+10).

Why you chose Illinois?

It felt like home.

What is your intended major and/or minor?

Major: Biology/Minor: Latin

What is the top item on your bucket list?

Go to Rome, Italy

What is your hidden talent?

I know the words to the Broadway musical "Hamilton" in its entirety.

What is your dream job?

Jordan Spieth's caddy

What is your favorite movie?

The Day After Tomorrow

What is your favorite quote?

"I never learned anything from a match that I won." – Bobby Jones

What is your favorite professional sports team?

Cincinnati Bengals

Who is your favorite golfer?

Jordan Spieth

Who is your favorite non-golf athlete?

LeBron James

What is your favorite golf club?

Driver

What is your favorite course?

Harmon Golf Club

What is your longest drive?

317

What are your pre-round superstitions/rituals?

I mark my ball right before I tee off and I never play number one balls in competition.

What is your favorite social media platform?

Instagram

Why do you play golf?

I love the game. It's challenging and trying, but endlessly rewarding in the opportunities it gives and the atmosphere it creates.

If you could pick one celebrity to be my caddy, who would it be?

Stephen Colbert

What is your favorite activity outside of golf?

Reading

If I could have an endless supply of one food, what would it be?

Blue tortilla chips and salsa

If I could live anywhere in the world, where would choose?

Ireland

What is the last movie you watched that you liked?

Incredibles 2

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