They haven’t just been winning, they have dominated.
With record-breaking scores and a season full of back-to-back victories, the Patriot girls’ golf team has been unstoppable.
On Monday, sophomores Audrey Miller and Ashtynn Zuniga will represent the Patriots for the second year in a row at the state tournament. This year’s tournament is at Sedalia Country Club in Sedalia, Mo.
As a team, sophomores Ashtynn Zuniga and Audrey Miller, seniors Abbie Yonker, Allison Greminger, and Ava Wood broke the 9-hole school record with a combined score of 165. In addition, sophomores Miller and Zungia, seniors Wood and Greminger, and freshman Delaney Brazeal broke the 18-hole school record with a combined score of 351.
“I know I played well in the tournaments that led to these records, and I am proud of this accomplishment,” Miller said.
Miller has individually broken the 9-hole school record with a score of 32. She is also a two-time state qualifier. Currently, she is tied for 4th place with a score of 76 for the best 18-hole score in the area.
Miller isn’t the only sophomore crushing it on the course, Zuniga tied the 9-hole school record with a score of 36 her freshman year. She is also a two-time state qualifier. Currently, Zuniga is tied at 8th with a score of 78 for the best 18-hole score in the area.
“I am so excited to compete again at state,” Zuniga said.
At last year’s state tournament in Cape Girardeau, Zuniga placed 20th and Miller placed 63rd.
Freshman Delanery Brazeal is tied at 19th in the state with a score of 88 for 18 holes.
“My game has stayed a lot more consistent compared to last year.” Brazeal said.
These girls’ talents did not come overnight, and their accomplishments have required a lot of time and effort.
“I started playing golf when I was 10 years old. I usually practice by going to the range to work on my full swing, and then I focus on my short game afterward. I aim to practice at least five times a week to keep my skills sharp and continue improving.” Miller said.
Brazeal has also been working hard,
“I have been playing all my life, but have been serious about it for 4 years. I go to the range, and practice putting and chipping at home,” she said.
It is evident that a lot of their success has come from hard work and dedication. But you have to have a lot of love and passion for the sport to practice every day, according to Miller.
“What fuels my passion for golf is that it’s never easy, and that’s what makes it so rewarding. Every course, every hole, even every shot brings a new challenge. I love that I can always find ways to improve, no matter how well I’m playing.” Miller said
Zuniga and Brazeal both have the same reason as to why they are so dedicated to golf.
“My dad motivates me to keep playing and get better every day.” Zuniga said.
Brazeal also credited her dad for her success.
“I have been serious about golf for 4 years because my dad put me in a golf program to play, he saw I was good. I play for my dad because he is really into it and I want to make him proud,” she said.
While the girls’ talents have played a big part in their wins, Head Coach Adam Weiss has dedicated his time to help the girls build positive, and competitive mindsets.
“I think the number one thing we’ve improved on is mental toughness, which in golf, consists of handling adversity during your round and dealing with high-pressure moments,” Weiss said.
With any sport, how the athletes spend practice time is crucial to how they will perform in a match.
“I love making practices competitive because it keeps them focused on a specific skill with a specific goal. Whether it’s games at the driving range, competitions on the putting green, or team events when we are playing 9-holes….keeping them competitive and wanting to win/improve is key for getting the most out of practice time.” Coach Weiss said.
When asking Weiss how he felt about the girls breaking records left and right he gave a statement that should make everyone feel excited for the competition and victory to come in future years.
“Obviously, it’s really cool that their names and accomplishments will be written in the Parkway South record books. However, records are made to be broken….so I keep challenging them to strive and break those records as well,” he said.
Miller has the same mindset.
“Overall, that’s a lot of school records, and I can’t wait to see which one we’ll break next!” she said.
