By Cory Sparks, Sports Editor
Work ethic. Focus. Perseverance. Those are just a few of the words that can be used to characterize our 2018 Indian Trail High School & Academy girls’ golf team.
The inspiration to play the sport originated from various circumstances, and the unpredictable nature of the game continues to intrigue players.
“When I’m on the course I always just try to play one shot at a time and let the last few go. I always just try to play just like the next hole is a new game and not to let the past shots, good or bad, get to me and just keep playing the game,” said Sam Durkee, General Studies senior and varsity team captain.
This easy-going, positive outlook on the sport as well as her hard work has earned Durkee multiple top school finishes in several meets throughout the year.
The team has daily challenges to face on the course. However, golf is more about attitude and mindset than most people may realize. “The hardest part is definitely the mental aspect of the game and just trying to stay out of your own head and not let anything get to you,” said Durkee.
The girls make it one of their top priorities to keep positive thoughts flowing throughout the round. Even if the lady Hawks don’t get their preferred outcome every time, the “glass half full” mentality doesn’t fade in the slightest on this team, and the next hole is always the focus.
“I always think that every shot will be a good shot to prevent me from mentally giving up my game,” said Emma Del Real, varsity golfer. This positive mentality has lead to a successful season thus far for the girls, earning them a first place finish out of six games at the Racine Horlick Invitational, and an impressive 4-3 record in conference this year so far.
“We beat Racine Case in our conference dual meet for the first time in four years.” said Erik Herbrechtsmeier, girls golf coach.
Not only has their performance been outstanding on the score sheet, but the golfers have a drive for the sport like no other. The Hawks have shown everything from veteran qualities in the seniors to loads of potential in the newer golfers.
“The current freshmen have made tremendous strides,” said Herbrechtsmeier. “Many of them have never hit a golf ball before the start of the season, and now they are able to play in competitive matches and hold their own against the experienced players.”
As for those veterans who will be moving on to the next stage of their lives after concluding their last year in high school, they expressed nothing but pure gratitude.
“My favorite part is the friends I’ve made while golfing and the family our team has become,” said Durkee. “I would not be the person I am today without them or our coach, Mr. Herb.”
As for the future of Indian Trail girls’ golf, the team has made it a consistent point to always be welcoming and inclusive to new players.
“They (girls) really should try it. All of the girls are a lot of fun to be around and everyone has such a good time,” said Herbrechtsmeier. “It is a great sport to learn because you can play it your entire life, and make some great friends. It is also one of the few sports that beginners can participate in at the high school level.”