Athlete Of The Week: Jessica Sachs

 junior Jessica Sachs makes the game look easy and fun on the golf course.

While others are cursing their luck at an errant drive that wound up in the water, she’s out there laughing, having fun with teammates and opponents alike.

Her confident mindset helped her qualify for state last year, and she looks poised to make another run. She was solid on the Downers Grove Golf Course on Friday, carding a 42 in her match against Downers Grove South. 

Coach Julie Sweet sees the potential: “There’s a big improvement over last year. She’s played a lot of tournament golf over the summer. She’s hitting the ball with much more consistency and she’s hitting a lot farther than she did last year.” 

With Sachs at the helm and leading the team by example, the Hornets have a good chance to make a deep run. 

How long have you been playing? I started right before my freshman year. I thought I was going to play volleyball, and then I decided to try out for golf.

And you come from a golfing family. Your sister qualified for state several years ago. Was she an influence? A big influence. I was into other sports, especially volleyball, before high school, and then I decided to give golf a try. I wasn’t expecting a lot. And I can remember going to my sister’s and my brother’s matches when I was little. They’re a lot older than me.

Do you have a favorite golf course? I really like Prairie Bluff. I’ve played that course a lot with my sister. I also liked Hickory Point in Decatur a lot. (Hickory Point was the site of the state tournament last year).

Are there any male/female professional golfers you really admire? I really like Annika Sorenstam. She’s really had a huge influence on my game like up to now. On the men’s side … I really like a lot of the young guys, how they go out there and show you can be strong and really play well. I do like Dustin Johnson, though. He’s a good golfer.

Have you ever made a hole-in-one? No, I have not. Hopefully one day. I’ve come close a few times, like within a foot, but not yet.

You have a favorite subject in school? I’m really into science. I’m taking AP (advanced placement) biology right now. I want to major in nursing when I go to college.

You decided on any school yet or given it much thought? I like North Carolina. I’m also thinking about maybe one of the schools in California.

Go to a school where you can play golf year-round? Definitely, definitely.