Photo by: Brooke Rhoads
Q&A by: Sydney Bennet
Senior Val Espadas is the first member of the girls golf team, coached by Seth DeRose, to qualify for sectionals. Northmen News caught up with the athlete to discuss her success.
Northmen News: How does it feel to be the first to make it to sectionals?
Val Espadas: It feels awesome. I feel accomplished. Top notch, if you will.
NN: How did your team mates react?
VE: They like, mosh pitted me; they just attacked me. Yeah, they were really happy.
NN: How confident were you that you’d make it?
VE: Well, the front 9 was really hard so it got my confidence down but then on the back 9 I started playing different. So my confidence went up, but I still wasn’t sure.
NN: How did you prepare for this season and this certain event?
VE: Practices. I practiced, practiced, practiced. I got a private lesson with the Park University head coach and I played the course a few times.
NN: How did you receive the news?
VE: DeRose made it sound like I didn’t qualify, then I got mad but then he delivered the good news and I was excited.
NN: What are you going to do to get ready for sectionals?
VE: Well, I have a practice round on Monday [Oct.3], so I’m going to play the course and not be nervous because I already reached my goal for the year, so I’ve got nothing to lose.
NN: How do you feel you’ll do?
VE: Well, it’s a very difficult course. I think I’ll do good. I’m on a role: I medaled for districts, then qualified for sectionals, so hopefully state is next.
NN: Who will be there supporting you?
VE: Parents, DeRose, Tiger Woods, and the golf team might come out.