Ranch Reflections are articles written by LRHS students and staff who want to share their experiences, thoughts, and concerns. This is a great opportunity for Mustangs to branch out beyond traditional news stories.  This edition features a Mustang’s success on the LRHS golf team.

The author has joined her teammates in four straight state golf tournaments

Jessica Kobetitsch – Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – Most high school student athletes never get to experience a state final, yet I’ve already been to four.

For the past four years, I’ve played for the LRHS girls varsity golf team. I’ve been able to attend and compete at four state championships.

Every year the experience only gets better. It’s difficult getting into the state championships, but it’s always rewarding when I get to compete at Mission Inn (where the state golf final is held).

The course is beautiful and rigorous, but the feeling of just competing at states is so surreal and unmatched.

Not only have I been able to go to states for the last four years, but my whole team qualified. Being able to have these experiences with my teammates and coach made it all that much better.

States is a three-day event.  We have one practice round and two tournament rounds. One of my favorite parts of the tournament is getting to play our practice round.

The thrill and excitement that comes with our competitive rounds is what makes everything so special. Anticipation and excitement are at an all-time high and getting to prepare with some of my closest friends makes the trip even more fun.

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Championships are an opportunity where I can let go and simply play for the love of the sport. Each year that I’ve competed at Mission Inn, I’ve been able to see my growth in my scores.

This year, I shot a 77 at states. While it might not be my best score, it’s a clear improvement from my past scores. Every year, I’ve improved my score at states, and this year, I was able to shoot another two strokes lower than my states round last year.

The Florida State Championships is such a surreal and exciting experience that I am so happy to have been through not just once, but all four years of my high school career.