CHS Queen Takes Us Behind the Scenes of Homecoming Week
This year, for the first time, the crowning of the UK Homecoming king and queen took place during the Homecoming Royalty Showcase at the Gatton Student Center. This new event gave the entire Homecoming court the opportunity to be celebrated in one place with friends, family and the campus community. Also being recognized at the Homecoming Royalty Showcase were registered student organizations who hosted programs as well as those who nominated Homecoming court candidates.
In addition to the showcase, the court was featured throughout the week on social media and recognized during Keeneland's Big Blue Day, the Homecoming Alumni Tailgate and the UK vs. Texas football game at Kroger Field. A framed photo of this year’s court will also be displayed in the Center for Student Involvement trophy case until next year’s court is selected — also a new tradition.
Olivia Kitts, from Nicholasville, Ky., is a Clinical Leadership and Management senior in the UK College of Health Sciences, and is also pursuing a certificate in business. She currently serves as vice president of the Epsilon Omega chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority, an ambassador of the College of Health Sciences and as a resident advisor. Kitts is also the social media coordinator for DanceBlue, helping raise awareness and funds for the DanceBlue Hematology/Oncology Clinic. Additionally, she serves as director of marketing for the Student Government Association and leads a Life Group for middle school girls. She is the daughter of Tim and Stephanie Kitts.
She also became the 2025 Homecoming Queen.
Last week, she took some time out of her schedule to describe what it was like to receive that honor.
By Olivia Kitts
CHS Contributor
Looking back on Homecoming Week, it still doesn’t feel real that I was named the University of Kentucky’s 110th Homecoming Queen.
Most people saw the moment on Kroger Field. For me, though, the experience was shaped by everything leading up to it — the nerves, the excitement, the chaos of getting ready, the hours of preparation, and the people who supported me every step of the way.
I’m a 21-year-old senior from Nicholasville, Ky., studying Clinical Leadership and Management in the College of Health Sciences. I chose CHS because I wanted to be part of a college that truly felt like home, a place where I could build genuine connections and grow both personally and professionally. I was drawn to my major because of the mentors in my life, both in high school and here at UK, who showed me how meaningful a career in healthcare and administration can be. Those influences helped shape who I am and made this homecoming experience even more special.
The Royalty Showcase
The Homecoming Royalty Showcase was a new highlight this year. The crowning of the new king and queen took place here, which also allowed the entire Homecoming court to be celebrated in one place with friends, family and the campus community.
As part of the showcase, we were required to present a talent and answer an on-stage interview question. It truly felt like I was in a pageant, and I was certainly not a pageant girl growing up. I have a new respect for those women who are!
We were instructed that our talents should reflect our personal characteristics. Knowing I’m sometimes lacking in the talent department, I decided to give a TED Talk-style presentation that incorporated social media and the confidence it takes to post online. A video I posted went somewhat viral on TikTok, and through that experience, I learned a lot about cultivating an online presence. It also inspired me to take on roles as a social media coordinator for DanceBlue and Marketing Director for SGA. I tied this in with what my sorority sisters consider my “talent,” and gave a hair tutorial (my viral TikTok was of my hair, so it all connected!).
Many of the other contestants also gave incredible talent presentations. Carson, who was crowned King, delivered a fantastic performance with his bandmates, teaching the audience UK chants.
Getting Ready
Getting ready for each event turned out to be one of the most memorable and chaotic parts of the entire week. I honestly didn’t expect to win, so on the day I learned I’d be walking onto Kroger Field as the Queen, I was frantically searching for a dress. Thanks to my mom and the impressive gameday collection at Peacocks and Pearls, I managed to find the perfect outfit at the very last minute. I walked out of the store feeling relieved and confident, but suddenly very overwhelmed that this was happening.
Preparing for the Royalty Showcase earlier that week came with its own kind of chaos.
My best friend, Kayla, came over and sat with me the entire time while I did my hair and makeup. I’m not someone who usually does full glam, so I kept things routine to feel like myself. We listened to music, talked through my nerves, and she asked me practice questions for the onstage interview. I made her listen to my presentation at least a hundred times, and she never once complained. Having her there kept me grounded and reminded me that no matter what happened, I had people in my corner.
This whole experience was entirely outside of my comfort zone. I may be outgoing, but public speaking isn’t something I naturally love, and the on-stage interview was what I dreaded most. I even had a nightmare that the judges asked me an impossible UK history trivia question I’d never know the answer to.
Thankfully, that didn’t happen, but even now, I still couldn’t tell you what question I answered. I think I blacked out from nerves, and adrenaline carried me the rest of the way.
The Showcase and the Week Following
The Royalty Showcase was the moment my nerves peaked. Waiting for my turn to speak, my heart was pounding. It’s a vulnerable feeling to share your story on stage, especially when mine involved a hair tutorial and social media statistics.
But even in that anxious moment, I felt surrounded by support. I could see familiar faces from my sorority, Kappa Delta, in the front row, and I had constant messages from my family wishing me luck. Knowing they believed in me helped calm my nerves and reminded me why I was proud to represent them and the University.
Throughout the rest of Homecoming Week, I had the honor of attending several events.
Those moments became some of my favorite parts of the entire experience. I met new people, connected with alumni, and gained a deeper appreciation for the traditions that make UK so special. Every event reminded me just how lucky I am to be part of this community.
A Moment I’ll Never Forget
This year’s process looked a little different. Instead of being crowned on the field, we received our titles during the Royalty Showcase, then had the privilege of walking onto Kroger Field that weekend. Standing in front of thousands of people, hearing the crowd, and then hearing my name called as Homecoming Queen was utterly surreal. I couldn’t help but think of my younger self, someone who never would have imagined this, and of all the incredible people who helped me become the person I am today.
Looking back, receiving the title was an incredible honor, but the people who stood beside me throughout the week made it even more meaningful. The support, the conversations, the connections, and the memories are what I’ll carry with me long after graduation.
Representing the University of Kentucky in this way has become one of my proudest and most unforgettable college experiences.