- November 2020
Personal Statement
Seventeen months ago, I let my parents know that I was trying out for High School golf instead of varsity soccer. This decision came after battling athletic asthma (on the soccer fields) during my freshman and sophomore years. I only had 3 months before tryouts, so I borrowed some golf clubs and set some goals for myself. In May of 2019, I began practicing every day consistently for three months and watched my game improve fairly quickly. And I fell in love with the sport.
Fortunately for me, my family and I live in walking distance from our golf club (super blessed) so my commitment to the game and practice was made easier. I also grew up around the game listening to stories from my Mimi (who played at the University of Tulsa), my Papa (who played at the University of Oklahoma) and my cousin (who played at the University of Kansas). I knew golf had always been in my DNA but I was just now getting to know the game for myself.
Three months flew by and try outs were sneaking up on me. I was a little nervous but had an odd level of confidence as I knew I had practiced hard and was extremely determined to make the team. By the end of tryouts, I was happy with how I played but still unsure of how the cards would fall. When I received the news that I had secured a varsity position (after shooting the low round of 81), I knew that it was a start to something special.
My junior year on varsity warmed me up to the competitive pressures that high school golf offers. I continuously worked hard to lower my scores and boost my confidence on the course. That year I made it passed districts (placing 7th) which advanced me to sectionals. I tried my best at sectionals but missed the cut for state by a two strokes. It was at that moment when I told myself that I would work harder than ever and make it to state my senior year.
With my new goals set, I worked every day on my game in my off-season. My confidence increased dramatically entering my senior year and my attitude also improved. In our first tournament of 2020, I shot the low round and came in first place which sparked the start to my Senior year. As the season progressed my game continued to improve and I reached the levels that I had once dreamed of. I shot an 80 in sectionals to place 2nd to my teammate and qualified for State. At state, under 40 degree conditions + rain I shot 91/83 to place 11th overall in State. It was the low overall total and secured 2nd place in State as a team. Being giving the honor of All State and accomplishing so many personal goals are memories I will always cherish.
Trying out for golf was genuinely the best decision I have ever made. It has brought so much good into my life and it has helped me grow and mature as an individual. I feel like I still have a lot of room to improve and can't wait to see what I can do as I work even harder on my game this offseason.
