On Sept. 28, Aragon’s girls golf team (4-5) faced Mills High School at The Peninsula Golf & Country Club. Mills came out on top, winning 247 to Aragon’s 255.
Aragon’s strongest round was led by senior Autumn Ogawa, who shot a 49. Although the Dons came home with a loss, the team has continued to improve throughout the season by staying positive during practices and rounds.
“They work hard, take it seriously, yet still manage to have fun,” said head coach Jim Daniel. “They will look at each other’s swings and offer tips and encouragement.”
The team’s practice helped them during the game.
“I chipped well and made some nice long-distance putts, which was really empowering for me because I worked on those skills before I played that day,” said senior and captain Advika Singh.
Some players saw a place for growth and opportunity to improve while reflecting back on their round.
“I played alright,” said sophomore Madeleine Kasai. “The biggest challenge I faced during the round was focusing. We were followed by the photography staff that day which was making me a bit nervous while I was playing.”
The team discussed the mental pressure that comes with golf and how they deal with the different challenges of the game.
“I would describe the team’s energy as a bit nervous,” Kasai said. “Because golf is mostly an individual sport, you put more pressure on yourself to perform well so your team can win.”
Singh had a similar observation.
“With our teams being neck to neck in both scores and ability, it becomes really easy to overthink every shot that doesn’t go exactly how you want it, and if you let that weigh on you long enough it completely changes your attitude as you play,” Singh said.
Players deal with this mental pressure differently.
“When I’m not playing well, I just try to stay in the moment,” Ogawa said. “My mental state isn’t as affected anymore by how well I’m playing,”
Although the team ultimately lost, Daniel said the result is not their main goal.
“Winning is always fun, but my chief goals [are] for them to have fun and to learn and gain confidence,” Daniel said.
With Mills behind them, the Dons played their last league game on Oct. 15 against Carlmont High School at Crystal Springs Golf Course.
