The Girls’ Varsity Golf team ended the season with freshman Nia Minumula, junior Sonam Konanahalli, and senior Jenny Park going to sectionals, and with Konanahalli continuing to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Tournament on Oct. 17 and 18.
Minumula, Konanahalli, and Park prepared for sectionals by playing the golf course, going to driving ranges to improve swings, and by participating in extra practices, Konanahalli said. For Konanahalli, practicing is a part of her daily routine and is a crucial part to her success.
“Something [I have] done for years [is practicing] everyday,” Konanahalli said. “On top of that I played some rounds at the course, and I played with some girls on my team as well.”
Taking a different point of view, it is nice to not be competitive all the time, Park explained. When golfing, it is easy to get into your own head, so if you want to golf well, you have to keep yourself in check; playing recreationally helps with a calm mentality, Park added.
“We say ‘new holes, new shots’ and it helps [when I get into my head],” Park said.
For Minumula, golf is one of the few sports she plays competitively and it is important for her to put in her best effort when playing.
Minumula, Konanahalli, and Park all played very well at sectionals, Tom Cieplik, Varsity Head Coach and Physical Education teacher said.
“I’m really proud of this year’s team and our golf program as a whole,” Cieplik said. “Golf is a tough game that really tests you mentally, but [the] girls keep working hard, growing as players and individuals. Their efforts definitely don’t go unnoticed.”
Konanahalli scored a 75 at sectionals, making the cut of 75, advancing to State Finals, Cieplik explained. She played incredibly during a challenging round at the IHSA State Tournament, scoring an 85 to advance to the second day of the tournament, where the cut-off score was below an 88, Cieplik said. On the second day Konanahalli scored an 83, concluding her weekend competing at State, Cieplik added.
“I am very proud of [Konanahalli’s] ability to navigate the difficult conditions [at state], including strong winds and a lengthy golf course,” Cieplik said. “[She] showcased her dedication and skill and was a great representative of [the] South golf program at the state series,” Cieplik said.
