Campus Celebrity: Katie Kelley

As another football weekend approaches, junior Katie Kelley gets more and more excited. This weekend, she is even more excited, and for two reasons. One reason, her parents are in town. Who doesn’t love it when their parents come to town?! Second, Notre Dame is playing her home state, North Carolina. Being a huge Notre Dame fan, Katie always received criticism and taunting from her peers, especially after a Notre Dame loss. This weekend, Katie is hoping for a Notre Dame win, so all of her peers will realize one and for all that Notre Dame rules, and everyone else drools.  

What is your favorite thing about football weekends at Notre Dame?

I would have to say getting hyped for kick off.

Do you have any pregame rituals?

I actually have a pair of lucky socks that I wear for every game.

Who is your all time favorite ND player, dead or alive?

 I loved the Brady Quinn and Jeff Samardzija duo; you always knew it was going to be a fun game when they were on the field.

Have you ever done push-ups at the game?

No, but I am determined to do it at least once before I graduate.

What is your favorite memory at a ND football game?

One of my favorite memories is at the UCLA game in 2006; Brady Quinn hit Jeff Samardzija with a 45-yard touch down pass, with 38 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Giving us a win. I remember this so well because it was a huge win for us, and I was with my mom and we were jumping up and down and the whole stadium was going crazy. And guess what? It was pouring rain, and my mom and I could not have been any happier.

How many games do you think you have been to in your life?

Including student games I’ve probably been to at least 25- 30 games. What can I say? I love the Irish!

Who is your current favorite player and why?

Either Jaylon Smith or Corey Robinson. I like Jaylon because he carries the team, gets everyone pumped during the games, and has great school spirit. But I also really like Corey Robinson because he’s just awesome.

What are you most looking forward to this weekend?

An Irish victory, and continuing the Irish football tradition with my friends and family.

As Katie and her friends and family prepare for their rituals and traditions, the Notre Dame football team will be preparing to take on the University of North Carolina. Two teams who have played each other a handful of times, it will definitely be a game for the books. Katie is excited to watch her home state take on her favorite college team, and her family.

Go Irish!

Thanks Katie!

Photos provided by author

• campus celebrity
• saintmarys