The sky is the limit when it comes to the heights that It Girl Katie Kearney can reach. As a model, pro golfer, former Miss Missouri, host, reporter, entrepreneur and advocate for human rights.
Katie Kearney’s impressive roster is one that has solidified her as recognizable figure in this industry. A St. Louis native and daughter of a former NFL player, Katie grew up being Missouri’s most adored Cardinals daughter. Despite having shy tendencies, Katie always had it in mind to be a working model. Signing her first contract at 15, she fell in love with being in front of the camera as she felt it made her be more comfortable in her own skin. In 2012,
Katie competed in Miss Missouri and went on to take the crown and competed in Miss USA. Katie also worked for Fox 2 news and hosted a variety of Sports Talk Radio Shows. Valuing the importance of having an education, Katie’s parents pushed her to seek her degree which Katie remains so grateful for. After graduating, Katie went on to sign a contract overseas in Athens, Greece which was only the beginning to her impressive career. While in Athens, Katie was able to live out her lifelong dream of being a working model as she got to travel all over the world for 10 years. Traveling to places like South Africa, Milan, and Stockholm,
Katie recalls one of her most memorable experiences being the time she shot for Maxim in Mozambique. “It was after this experience that I felt like I had accomplished a big dream of mine.” she says. During the time she was in South Africa, Katie felt the impact of the economic mishap that the country was experiencing at the time, and as a result modeling jobs were a bit low. She started playing golf in her free time, a hobby from her youth, rekindling her passion for this game. Soon enough Katie was flooding in sponsorships and moved back to the US to continue this path. Today, Katie continues to be the boss babe she is as she continues her life of stardom as a model, travel editor, reporter, and golf host. Finding peace in molding her career and home life with fiancé professional race car driver Cooper MacNeil, Katie looks to the future with exciting plans to expand her brand. With her dedication and determination, there is no doubt It Girl Katie Kearney will reach newer and greater heights.
Share your background.
I was born and raised in St. Louis, my dad played ten years in the NFL mainly for the St. Louis Cardinals. My parents were very big on the importance of education so although I signed my first contract at 15, I was not allowed to model full time until I graduated from college. Following their wishes, I attended Saint Louis University where I graduated with a degree in Journalism. During this time, I won Miss Missouri USA and took an internship at Fox News but couldn’t shake my life long dream of modeling overseas. I signed a contract in Athens, Greece and from their my career took off. I spent the next decade working in between Europe, South Africa and the US. Eventually I moved back to Chicago a few years ago and started making a name for myself in the golf space. I cover courses and tournaments all around the world, play in pro Ams, and promote golf brands and products on my social platforms.
You signed your first modeling contract at 15. What was it about modeling that you found desirable?
Throughout school I was always very thin, tall and awkward. As a naturally more reserved person, this made me even more self-conscious. I knew I had the look for it and I believed in myself but I was scared what people would think. Later, I saw the amazing opportunities modeling could bring into my life, particularly traveling the world, living in foreign countries and learning about new cultures. I’ve lived all over the world in very tiny model apartments with up to ten other models from all different backgrounds. You truly learn a lot about yourself and the world around you. I’ll never forget some of the closest friends I made strictly by laughing or being scared/anxious/homesick, neither of us speaking the same language and yet somehow we knew exactly what the other was thinking.
LINNEA FRANK PHOTOGRAPHY; www.linneafrank.com, photoshoot, color, location, Cape Town, Icemodels, studio, Katie, Katie Kearney, hot, blonde, body, legs,
What projects interest you?
Anything new and challenging particularly ones that involve travel and golf. I love to try new things and meet creatives with the same passions.
You have traveled around the world. Which places do you love the most?
No matter how many glamorous places I visit, my heart will always bring me back to South Africa. I always try and take something away from every culture I visit. The people of South Africa always smile. Although most of them have nothing, or very little. They’ll smile. And they love to have fun. The food, the wine, the “braais” (a braai is a very special, and essential, part of South African culture where everyone comes together, gathers around the fire, drinks and laughs all day and night). South Africa is about family, love and happiness which is why it is the most special place in my heart. My mom and I love to Safari in the Bush. Not many places in the world can top waking up, enjoying a cup of coffee and going on a game drive seeing animals in their natural habit in this beautiful world we are fortunate to live in.
You have always been drawing to sports. How did your career in golf begin?
I started playing golf at very young age as a way to bond with my dad. I was on an all boys golf league but hated waking up at 6AM so I put golf on the back burner. Later, as I was working in Cape Town, unfortunately the economy hit a low. In 2018, the country expected the worse as Day Zero (complete water depletion) was slowly approaching. This meant our biggest clients, mostly German and American companies, were no longer coming to Cape Town to shoot their campaigns. Therefore, I decided I’m in the most beautiful place in the world, 360 days of sun per year, I may as well dust off my golf clubs. I began posting my swing on social media solely for fun. This is when Callaway reached out wanting to sponsor me with equipment. I started traveling and writing for golf publications, playing in pro ams and from there my love of golf formed.
What do you admire the most about the sport?
Golf teaches you many life lessons, particularly humility. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, you’ll hit two into the water. Every time you hit a good shot, you’re faced with the temptation of celebrating with pride but humility is the key to building respect and trust. And if you forget, you’ll likely to shank your next shot into the woods. Speaking of, I also just love being outdoors in general. Nothing beats spending four hours outside on a beautiful course with friends laughing. Its my own form of mediation.
How are you using social media to build your fan base?
Social media is both a blessing and a curse. Obviously, my career revolves around social media and I’m extremely grateful for all the opportunities and people it has brought into my life. Though, of course, there are some negatives. People can lose sight of who they are and let social media define them. It’s extremely important for me to be as honest as possible on social media and engage with fans in an organic way that lets them know this is my brand but not my entire life. It also is a great platform to spread awareness for causes I’m passionate about such as human trafficking and animal conservation in South Africa.
You are using your platform to inspire young girls. Tell us more.
Chasing your dreams and becoming successful isn’t easy. It’s hard and daunting. I want young women to know they need to be grounded and have strong principals. Don’t ever let fear or doubt get in the way of your dreams. Don’t let people tell you no (unless it’s your parents telling you to go to school. Then go to school). But when the opportunity comes, do your research and go. Don’t wait for tomorrow, do it now.
What is your philosophy in life?
Work hard, be kind. The way we treat others will determine our failure or success. The same is true towards ourselves. Be as kind and compassionate toward yourself as you are to others.
Share your vision for 2022.
I have a lot of exciting things planned for 2022, both professionally and personally. I’ll be continuing to expand my golf brand globally and grow the game by empowering young women to get out, get active and get golfing. Personally, I’m in the midst of planning my fairytale wedding in Lake Como to my fiancé Cooper MacNeil and planning our future family. He’s an amazing man and I’m very much looking forward to the next chapter.
You can find me on Instagram @katiekearney and Twitter @katiekearney_.
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