Silence.
Unlike high-contact team sports where a halftime huddle can reset a game’s momentum, golf isolates. On the course, every single stroke rests entirely on your shoulders.
For the Saint Francis girls’ golf team, navigating the absolute quiet requires a unique, personalized playbook. After interviewing the different classes, the mental evolution of a Lancer golfer is clear: from sophomore grace, to the junior grind, to senior strategy.
For underclassmen stepping onto varsity competition, the high-stakes play is best managed through self-talk. Amelia Hsien (’29) approaches every shot by focusing on the moment. “I let myself know that I am human,” she said. “I constantly tell myself that, at the end of the day, golf is a game for me to have fun.” When frustration builds, Hsien relies on her personal routine to change her mindset before her next putt: “I breathe as deep as I can and let any thoughts, feelings, and frustrations flow out. My thoughts and emotions affect my game a lot, but going back to a more calm and clear mind resets me.”
Golfers in their junior year must constantly balance the college-prep grind with athletic expectations, making the mental separation even more difficult. Gia Pendyala (’28) admits that moving to the next hole is often a psychological trap. “I find myself thinking about academics a lot on the course. Since there’s usually a lot of downtime between holes, it lends itself to getting distracted.” Pendyala also realizes that her hits, whether good or bad, rest entirely on her shoulders during match play: “If I get hung up on something circumstantial, all it does is ruin the rest of my round, and I have a responsibility to play my best. I’ve found that being frustrated just distracts me, and that’s when mistakes start compounding.” She talks to a supportive teammate playing with her as well, to ease the nerves.
By senior year, the hard work pays off. Now officially committed to play Division One at Butler University, Jiana Park (’27) brings a collegiate-level perspective to the Lancer course. She views the game not as a source of stress, but rather a deliberate escape from it. “I try to use golf as a way to take a break from school and focus on something different,” she said. “Once I’m at practice or on the course, I only focus my attention on golf.” Experience also transforms her course strategy. When faced with a difficult hole, Park doesn’t chase a reckless hero shot; instead, she weighs the pros and cons. “I usually think about the risk versus the reward,” Park said. “I try to make smart decisions instead of forcing a shot just to save a stroke. Sometimes playing it safe is the better decision in the long run.”
The Lancers have shown they can handle the heat when it matters most. On Oct. 26, the Lancers captured a hard-fought third place finish in the WCAL Tournament, and a week later secured a top ten position at CCS. One of their best matches this season was against Los Altos, where they dominated the field 214 to 266. By learning to give themselves grace, navigate academic rigor, and accept what they cannot control, Girls’ Golf has turned the quietest sport on campus into a true masterclass.
