July 27, 2007
In the second edition of the Summer Spotlight, sophomore Elaine English discusses her summer, tips for the incoming freshmen and the highlights of last season.
Summer Spotlight - Elaine English
What are you doing over the summer to keep your game in shape for the fall season?
Our trainer gave us instructions to keep lifting some this summer, so I've been going over to the local rec center and lifting. I also have been trying to play and work on my game as much as possible whether that is going out to hit balls or putt for a while, or going out to play. I try to play with people a lot just so that element of competition is there. It's easy to score well by yourself because there is no pressure, that's why I like to play with lots of other people.
Now that you made it through your first year at UD, what advice do you have for our new players coming in this fall?
As far as golf goes, I would start playing back right away. That was the biggest adjustment for me. Say goodbye to the red tees, and start playing back to help yourself out before you get to the college level. As far as school as a freshman, it's all about adjusting to everything. Every single aspect is different, a lot of my success this year had a lot to do with time management and taking advantage of the time I had to study. With playing a division 1 sport, a lot of work is put in but if you take advantage of the time you do have to devote to your school work you will do very well.
What do you wish you would have done differently in your senior year in high school to prepare for college?
I would have taken more AP courses because you can get college credit for them. I came in with some credits which made it easier to have a lighter class load. I would definitely have taken as many AP courses as I could have handled just so I could have had a lighter load because of golf, but still been able to graduate on time.
What would you do to prepare more for college golf?
To prepare for golf, just start playing from the back tees and work on short game AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. (that is where your strokes are saved the most)
What was the most fun part of your freshman year?
The "newness" of everything was the best part. You are finally out on your own, doing what you want to be doing. Meeting so many new people, especially the girls on the golf team, was a high point for me. As far as golf goes, the tournaments were definitely the best part. You really get to know you teammates when you go to these places because you drive everywhere. The van rides were always fun because we just got to hang out and get to know eachother.
