Kirk’s Captain Corner is a regular feature that allows Carver County residents to get to know the student-leaders of the various teams in our high schools. Today, we feature Captain Jenna Campbell of the Chaska Girls Golf Team.
How long have you been playing golf?
Six years competitively and three years in high school.
What is the most memorable shot you’ve ever hit?
Making my second shot on hole one at Chaska Town Course for eagle (par 4).
What has been your favorite memory playing for the Hawks golf team?
Playing in a scramble with Alivia (Dreier) my sophomore year and getting 10th.
My daughter, Allie, is new to golf and is playing on the JV team this year. What advice would you give girls like her who want to get into the sport?
Play as much as you can! Any course or way that you can, playing, even if it doesn’t go how you want, is definitely the quickest way to improve.
Golf is not only a physical sport but such a tough game mentally. What do you do to prepare for big matches and tournaments? How do you filter out your surroundings when it comes to big shots?
I try to stay in a positive, social mood because I know that before matches, when I have nerves, it’s easy to be quiet and make yourself more nervous. Before big shots, I absolutely put all my energy into focusing completely on the shot I want to hit and the ball. Before all shots, I make sure I look at the ball for at least four seconds before the swing — to breathe and lock in.
What are your goals for the remainder of the year, both personally and for the team?
Personally, I would like to shoot a tournament round in the 70s for 18 holes and 30s for 9 holes. I want to continue placing in the top 10 in tournaments and making it to the second day of sections. As for the team, I would like for us to finish top four at a conference meet and have two girls in the 80s and two girls in the 90s for 18 holes (40-44 and 45-49 for 9 holes).
What has it meant to you to be a team captain?
Being a leader and an example. It is important to me to set an example of what the other players should be doing, whether this means coming to all practices, trying hard, keeping a positive attitude when it’s tough, and every other small moment that means a lot for the team as a whole.
