Senior Spotlight: Troy Heffelfinger

As a ninth grader, senior Troy Heffelfinger--who had played soccer since elementary school--had to choose whether to continue playing soccer or concentrate on his new interest: golf. Golf and soccer are fall sports, so there would be no way he would be able to play both. Influenced by both his dad and older brother, Adam, he decided to play golf. 

In 2009, as a sophomore, Heffelfinger was the #2 player on the Saucon Valley Colonial League Championship Team that edged Palmerton for the title, 408-409. In 2010, as a junior, his personal career highlight occurred when he shot his best competitive score of 73 to edge Palmerton's Ben Andrews by a stroke, winning the Colonial League Individual Championship in the process.

In 2011, Troy lowered his score from 81 to 76, however he also suffered a dislocated shoulder and opted for injection therapy rather than surgery. Although not using it as an excuse, that injury was not fully healed even as the regular season ended. Nevertheless, he was able to shoot 81 to finish 11th at this year's PIAA Colonial League Championships.

"Troy had a great four years," said his coach, Scott Roberts. "He qualified for the District Qualifying Tournament three times and was a Colonial League Champion both with the team and as an individual."

"His senior year was distracted by the crazy schedule due to the weather and possibly lingering effects of his shoulder injury," Roberts added. "He has a bright future in golf, if he stays motivated."

Troy has a part-time job at where he works as a bag boy. He enjoys being with friends and likes to go to for a steak sandwich. His favorite saying is "I'm not worried" and sociology is his favorite subject. He said he plans to enroll at a four-year college where he expects to concentrate on a business-related major.

In addition to golf, Troy also plays point guard for the Panthers under Coach Matt Brown. If his shoulder is not fully healed by the start of the basketball season, however, it could prevent him from playing this year. 

Troy said the most profound event in his life occured when Hellertown resident and classmate Courtney Achey and her mother were killed in a car crash on I-78 in Upper Saucon Township in 2007. The tragic loss of Courtney made Troy aware of how important it is to take advantage of every opportunity and to treasure each day as it comes.

Troy has two older brothers, Adam and Ryan, and is the son of Dave and Jill Heffelfinger.