For Minnesota State's senior women's golfer Sammy Youngquist, the fall season was an exercise in digging deep and staying focused.
In her senior year, the expectations have increased, and the responsibilities have multiplied.
Youngquist plays a leadership role on the team, guiding underclassmen through the challenges of balancing academics, athletics, and personal commitments.
And not only is she a student-athlete, but Youngquist also holds an internship in the athletic department, adding another layer of complexity to her schedule.
Yet, through it all, she remains unwavering in her dedication to the game, the team, and her own personal growth.
Consistent performance
Youngquist's fall season was marked by consistent scores and a lower average than previous years.
She attributes much of this success to an improved mental game, which has been a priority since last spring.
The ability to maintain a positive mindset and utilize mental strategies has transformed Youngquist's game, allowing her to compete at a higher level.
"I gained confidence throughout the season and continued to show grit through bad holes and harsh weather," Youngquist said. "Having a positive mindset and utilizing reframing tools helped transform my game."
As she looks forward to the spring season, Youngquist knows there is still work to be done.
She wants to be a better leader and push themselves and the team to achieve her goals.
"Sammy has been a key component of this team since she was a freshman," said Director of Golf Alex Schmitz. "She has competed in the top-five players in every event since she arrived on campus; under my tenure she is the only player that has accomplished that feat. She continues to post the scores needed for this to be a truly successful program! She is the true meaning of a great player and hard worker. She also is a leader in the weight room and at practice! She will succeed in everything she does in the future!"
With a strong group of players capable of posting low scores, Youngquist is determined to make the most of her time in Arizona during spring break, preparing to compete and achieve even greater success.
Leading the way
As a senior, Youngquist understands the importance of being a leader for the underclassmen.
She strives to be approachable and respectable, connecting with her teammates on a personal level and understanding their needs.
By setting up team bonding experiences and creating a fun and comfortable atmosphere, Youngquist ensures that everyone feels like part of the family.
She also emphasizes the importance of understanding expectations and responsibilities, providing guidance and support along the way.
"To help our underclassmen navigate the student-athlete life, I connect with them personally and understand who they are as people and what they need," Youngquist said. "Setting up team bonding experiences also helps them adjust and become part of our family."
Balancing act
Balancing the demands of training, academics, and personal life is a constant challenge for Youngquist.
She has found that taking online classes provides the flexibility needed to travel and keep up with assignments.
Additionally, the internship in the athletic department adds another layer of complexity to her schedule.
"Holding a 3.88 in the classroom proves to the freshman and underclassmen that you can balance everything with the right mindset." said Schmitz. "Sammy is a once in a coach's career type of player. We will miss everything she brings to the table and there are big shoes to fill when she graduates."
Youngquist credits her success in managing these commitments to careful planning and sacrifice.
"I am an intern with the athletic department, so finding a balance between that and golf has been the biggest challenge," Youngquist said. "The best strategy I use is utilizing calendars to plan out my time, and I sacrifice downtime to work more."
A passion for writing
Outside of golf and academics, Youngquist has a secret passion: writing.
From a young age, she has loved writing articles and realistic fiction.
This passion for writing adds another dimension to Youngquist's life as a student-athlete, allowing her to express herself creatively and explore different aspects of her personality.
"I was selected for writing conferences at Bethel University in elementary school, and I have always loved writing articles and realistic fiction," Youngquist said.
As Youngquist prepares for the spring season, she is focused on keeping her game sharp.
By attending practice sessions, working on mechanical skills, and prioritizing key aspects of her game, Youngquist is determined to achieve success in the upcoming tournaments.
With her leadership and dedication, she will continue to inspire her teammates and help the team reach new heights.
Whether it's on the golf course, in the classroom, or within the athletic department, Youngquist's commitment to improvement sets a solid foundation for future success and team cohesion.
