Student Athlete Spotlight: MCLA guard Kait Chenevert

Student Athlete Spotlight by Jaclyn Candelet

Coming to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) wasn't on the radar for Kait Chenevert after high school. Chenevert attended Salem State to continue her studies and to become a part of the basketball team. Unfortunately, things didn't work out the way Chenevert thought and she withdrew from Salem.

Withdrawing from Salem only opened Chenevert's eyes to new opportunities and gave her a feel for what she wanted to do in the future. "I found a job in human services working with mentally and physically handicapped adults," said Chenevert. "I fell in love with my clients and co-workers, but I really missed school and playing basketball."

Chenevert kept a good relationship with then Salem coach Tim Shea and let him know that she wanted to go back to school. Coach Shea did her a favor and let other coaches in the MASCAC conference know that she was interested in going back to school and starting up her basketball career again. Chenevert got two calls from coaches within the conference; Westfield's Andrea Bertini and MCLA Coach Holly McGovern. "I visited both schools, but MCLA had a certain personality to it that I liked and everyone was friendly and it seemed I belonged here," stated Chenevert.

Chenevert, who started playing basketball as soon as she could, is now a junior at MCLA and plays a key role on the Trailblazers basketball team. Throughout her career her father has been her biggest supporter. "I can't remember a game or competition that he wasn't at," said Chenevert. "He is my number one fan and has positively influenced me with basketball since I can remember."

Over time, Chenevert has worked on one part of her game; controlling her speed. If you watch Chenevert play she is one of the fastest players on the court and she explains that is because she always played the fast paced game of basketball growing up. It wasn't until she got into more competitive basketball and help from her high school coach that she learned to slow things down and change the speed of the game. Working on this part of her game made her slow down her thinking on the court and started relaxing and just playing.

Being a female athlete at MCLA gives you the opportunity to participate with your teammates at the National Girls and Women's in Sports Day. Chenevert and the basketball team took part in this event held over the weekend before their game against visiting Worcester State. Chenevert went on to explain that it feels really good to be looked up too, and she remembers being at that age and thinking the older girls who played basketball were "god-like". "I wanted to be just like them, and now my role has switched. I feel honored to have that opportunity," said Chenevert.

Chenevert and the Trailblazers wrapped up their season on Saturday.  The junior ended the campaign averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds per game.