Pregame Playlist: Kelly Xu

Before every game, match, or meet every athlete has a go-to playlist that they listen to before to get themselves ready for action. In Pregame Playlist we hear what student-athletes' playlists mean to them! Today, we hear from Kelly Xu, who shows us the playlist that gets her energized ahead of the NCAA Women's Golf Championship.

GoStanford.com: What’s your favorite song on this playlist and why?

Kelly Xu: Right now, I think my favorite song is either Freestyle by Lil Baby or Up Down by Morgan Wallen. Both of those songs are great for background music and have the spring vibes, which I like.

GS: Who are your favorite artists these days?

KX: I'm listening to a lot of Future and Lil Baby at the moment. Both of those artists are great for a little energy boost. 

GS: What about this playlist gets you ready for competition?

KX: I like this playlist because it is on the faster side. When we go warm up ahead of a tournament round, it's usually pretty early, like 6 or 7 am, so I like to listen to songs with a higher bpm to wake up and get excited to go play. 

GS: How would you describe your music taste in general?

KX: My music taste is pretty all over the place; I'll listen to anything. I like faster music more, though, so I listen to a lot of rap, house, or happy country music primarily. 

GS: Does this playlist different from what you listen to normally? If so, how come?

KX: Nope, no difference! This playlist is basically all of the songs I'm listening to right now. 

GS: Any unique stories behind what these songs meant to you or your team?

KX: Nothing that I can think of at the moment, but my team listens to a lot of house music, so most of the house music on my playlist is what's on rotation in the team van. 

GS: How does your music taste compare to the rest of your team’s?

KX: I’m always on aux, so I think at this point I’ve almost forced everyone to adapt to my taste or appreciate the same songs. Lol. For the most part, my team likes most of the same music as I do, maybe just a little less so with my country music. 

GS: Describe your relationship with music, and how/if that relates to your sport.

KX: With golf, I feel like there are a lot of long hours on the range or doing drills, so music has always been mandatory for me when I'm practicing. Music can also be used as a tool to lower or raise your energy, depending on if you are practicing or getting ready to go play. I prioritize using music as a mood booster, so I always listen to my favorite songs all the time to put myself in a happy mood. 

Check out Kelly's full playlist below.