The great thing about OHS is how involved the students are allowed to be through many different classes, activities, and clubs. Sports are a very important part of the high school experience at OHS, and administrators are constantly looking for new ways to get students to participate at their school.
The girls golf team here at OHS gives new and unique opportunities to young athletes, providing them with an experience in something that they are passionate about, as well as making new connections and building a community centered around friendship, teamwork, and inspiration.
“My favorite part [of the team] are the girls and Coach Horyza. He makes us all actually want to be there and be the best we can be. And the relationship all the girls have is great,” said Ella Jackson, junior.
The girls golf team is a way for athletes at OHS to pursue their love of golf and form a new family centered around the sport. Jim Horyza, coach of the girl’s golf team, believes that motivation is key in keeping the team united and ready to play and improve their skills.
“Motivation is something we talk about pretty much every day. We say if we’re gonna play nine holes, pretend like this is a real match. So, to get their mindset right, and it’s not just goof around time, we make sure that when they’re playing, it’s like they’re playing in a match,” Horyza said.
Along with motivation comes the ability to help a student build their teamwork and leadership skills when on the team, which is always the main goal at OHS. This allows for the older, more experienced players to help out with the newer ones, strengthening their bond.
“Even though golf is labeled as an individual sport, high school golf provides a new experience of being able to work with other people and being able to build up teamwork,” said Maya Bustos, senior.
The girls golf team provides many benefits to students, such as building new skills, relationships, and overall opportunities, making their experience here at OHS worthwhile.
“When you go out of the golf course, you would think it’s just a hole, right? Straight out, aim at the pin. But that pin is farther than you think, and the more that you think negatively, the farther and farther distance-wise it gets both figuratively and physically,” Bustos said.
