Three senior varsity golf girls qualified for the 2022-23 state competition, out of 87 other players from 12 different teams in the Kansas area. A team or a player can qualify for state each year of their high school career. This two-day event was held at the Hesston Golf Course this year. The top 20 players end up receiving a medal as a reward for their accomplishments.
Between the girls JV and the girls varsity team here at NHS, the girls competed against 13 teams during their season. Senior Cadence Altum was able to participate in the state competition last year as well. On day one of the 2021 competition, she was able to tie for 31st place with a score of 96. Before the competition began this year, Altum was able to practice and warm up with the rest of the team before playing.
“The first day I played against Goddard-Eisenhower, Kansas City Piper High School and Goddard. Overall there are 12 full teams who participate,” Altum said. “I would say the top thing that has motivated me is the fact that it is my senior year. I wanted to go out on a good note and so I tried my best to medal or at least shoot under 100 for every tournament.”
The 2022-23 girls golf team holds nine members in total with three of the girls on the team making it to day two of state. Senior Jaye Skinner was able to tie for 3rd place in the girls golf league, which was the tournament before the state competition. Skinner was glad she had her team to root her on during competitions and tournaments.
“I think being a senior has really motivated me this year. I know this is my last year, so I wanted to do really well and make it a great one,” Skinner said. “I practiced on weekends and did a lot more mental preparation when it came to the state. Golf is very much a mental game so I worked on that while practicing on the course. I was also very motivated to do well for my grandpa who passed away sophomore year. It was all about making him proud.”
Senior Lindsey Warsnak is in her fourth and final year of playing golf for the girls team. Warsnak has qualified for state twice, the 2022-23 school year is her second time qualifying for this event. During last year’s competition, Warsnak was able to get 17th place in the state. To prepare, Warsnak has practiced outside of school hours and has looked towards her coaches for advice when facing this season’s events.
“The help of my coaches and knowing this was my last year made it a lot easier to push through and have something to work towards,” Warsnak said. “Our coaches have always been supportive and do everything to help while we’re playing whether we’re in a tough situation or playing really well they always try to ensure the lowest score possible.”