Rebel Check-In | Justin Kim
4/14/2020 1:30:00 PM | Men's Golf
REBEL CHECK-IN
JUSTIN KIM
UNLV MEN'S GOLF
SENIOR SOCIOLOGY MAJOR
April 14, 2020
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - Justin Kim is in his fourth year as a member of the UNLV men's golf program. This was going to be a special spring season - his last as a collegiate student-athlete.
Kim and his squad had just finished hosting one of the marquee college golf events of the season, the Southern Highlands Collegiate, which included all five of the nation's top-ranked teams and nine of the top 25. The Rebels then had their sights set on the schedule's next tournament in Arizona.
Next thing he knew, sports leagues were getting shut down and the domino effect reached the epicenter of his world. Suddenly his season on the golf course ended.
UNLVRebels.com had a chance this week to check in with the senior from Fullerton, California.
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UNLVRebels.com: What were you looking forward to this season?
Justin Kim: We weren't looking too far ahead but were definitely looking forward to the rest of the season, especially with the trip to Arizona coming up. We were just excited to compete with our goal being to qualify for regionals and a chance to go to the national finals. We were working hard to get ourselves into a position to play for a title.
U: What was going through your mind when you found out you couldn't continue the season?
J: It kind of hit us out of nowhere. We were all just pretty shocked when we found out. I remember I was watching everything on SportsCenter and they said that the NCAA canceled the seasons of winter and spring sports and that's when it really hit me. It was official, but I was kind of confused to be honest. It was probably a little denial.
U: You decided to stay in Las Vegas instead of go home to your parents in California. Why?
J: We talked about it and decided that I would stay here. We just felt with the situation and in looking at the numbers that Nevada was just a safer place to be than California. My roommates are all back home so I'm in my place by myself, which has taken some getting used to.
U: What have you been doing to keep busy each day?
J: Before Governor Sisolak shut down the golf courses, my routine was pretty similar to how it was before from a golf perspective. I would get some practice in, come home, do my homework, and do as much working out at home as possible. I have tried to stay focussed on keeping my body in shape the best I can. Not being slumped over in a chair, sitting on the couch all day. Now that the golf courses are shut down, it has been more challenging to get into a routine. I still do as much as I can from home. I have a putting platform with turf on it, so I practice with that the best I can, swing the club when I watch TV, things like that. I am just trying to stay as active as possible.
Checking in with @UNLVGolf senior Justin Kim ⛳️
— UNLV Athletics (@UNLVathletics) April 14, 2020
✅ What was he looking forward to❓
✅ What has been the biggest challenge❓
✅ What new skill has he learned❓
All that & more answered in the Rebel Check-In with @justin_kii: https://t.co/raZkEuxAkX#BEaREBEL #AlwaysVegasStrong pic.twitter.com/DFRRnBJS7R
U: What has been the biggest change for you during this time?
J: One positive thing is that I don't really eat out much anymore. I try to eat everything that's at home. I've been saving a lot of money there, for sure, and trying to cook a lot.
U: What has been the biggest challenge during this period for you?
J: Getting in a full workout. I don't have weights, machines or benches. I try to do everything I can, so you have to get creative. So I end up doing about three or four different workouts throughout the day, every day.
U: How different has it been to have your classes move to all remote?
J: I have had online classes throughout the years, but now with them all done that way it is much different. Staying organized is the biggest challenge and staying on top of my due dates as well. But after the initial shock, I have developed a routine and things have gotten easier there.
U: Have you worked on any skills unrelated to school or golf during this time?
J: As I have been eating at home, I have definitely been trying to cook more. YouTube is your best friend for sure in that area. It really has everything. Once you try to think of something and it doesn't involve too many ingredients, I go for it. It has enabled me to eat much healthier and save money. Obviously it forces you to go to the grocery store, but I have tried to limit the amount of trips that I make there.
U: What are you reading now that you may not have had time for before?
J: There is this one book "Own the Day, Own Your Life" by Aubrey Marcus. He is the CEO of Onnit. I got it during the winter and didn't really have time to read it, so I'm working on that now.
U: What have you binge watched during this time?
J: Ozark, the third season came out, and I think I watched it in probably two days. It's one of my favorite shows. I've also been re-watching old classic movies.
U: What are you most looking forward to when life gets back to normal?
J: Going to the golf course and being able to go to the gym, for sure.
U: Is there a message you have for Rebel fans?
J: During this pandemic, all we can do is stay inside and have a positive outlook for the future. Once we overcome this challenging time, we will appreciate our experiences so much more. Things as simple as just hanging out with other people. As tough as it is, do what the experts are advising, wash your hands, observe social distancing. If we all follow those things and have a positive mindset, we can get back to normal that much sooner. We will get through this together.
