Senior Leah Peipert has watched the girl’s golf team grow since her freshman year when there were only six players on the team. The number of girl’s golfers has more than doubled since then, allowing a JV team to be created in addition to the varsity team.

With a sudden influx of new golfers, the team needed a leader and role model to set a strong foundation for the years to come. Peipert proved to be exactly the person to do the job.

“As captain, I have a leadership position to show the other girls kind of what dedication to the team means,” Peipert said.“I am also there to encourage the girls and help them realize that golf is a fun place to be as a team atmosphere and to play the sport.”

Peipert’s teammate, junior Olivia Reuter, admires the positive impact that Peipert has had on the team.

“She really gives the team a clear example of what we need to do to improve as well as just inspiring us with her enthusiasm,” Reuter said.  “She is also very knowledgeable about golf and she has the skills necessary to help the less experienced girls get better.”

This season, the girl’s golfers focused on team building and growth. Although the team did not place very competitively, Peipert retained that it was a rewarding season.

“We had really good days and we had days where we struggled a little bit, but we’re growing as a team and we’re getting a lot better,” Peipert said.

While the team collectively did not have many wins, Peipert had a very successful individual season. Not only did she accomplish both of her goals – setting a new personal record at her home course and qualifying for Districts – Peipert also ranked high enough at Districts to qualify for Sectionals.

“Leah knows her game and how to play her golf style,” Coach Kim Shelley said. “She strategizes very well, analyzing the course and understanding how to read greens. I very rarely see her make a choice that was not well planned.”

Peipert’s meticulous training helped her at Sectionals, where she was only three competitor’s away from qualifying for State. Her top-notch performances throughout the season were recognized when she earned a spot on the second team All-Conference.

Peipert’s dedication, skill and work ethic all contribute to her athletic achievement, but Peipert finds that the most important trait for golfers to have is something that sounds deceivingly simple to attain, a good attitude.

“Golf is one of the most frustrating sports out there,” Peipert said. “One day you could get the best score of your life and the next you can get the worst. ln my first match this season I shot worse than I did freshman year. There’s really nothing you can do about that. Sometimes you just have a bad day, but it’s really important that you put that behind you and say ‘I can do better, I’m going to do better’… a lot of golf is mental, and if you’re stuck in your head and you’re thinking about the bad shot that you hit last hole, you’re gonna hit another bad shot.”

Peipert’s ability to maintain a positive outlook is something that sets her apart as an amazing athlete. Though her time on the CHS golf team has come to an end, the enthusiasm and dedication she brought to the team will leave a lasting impact.