Interview with SHS Golfer Bradley Hinkel

-

 Welcome back to the fall edition of Off the Reels! This athlete has not only played at the varsity level since his freshman year but has been consistently scoring at the top of the golf team ever since. 


Meet SHS Golfer Bradley Hinkel…



Golf story:

Bradley first started playing golf in 3rd grade, but it was not until junior high that he became more serious about it. He tried out for the club team and began to take swing lessons. After making the team, he was motivated to improve and practiced almost daily. By the time high school came around, he was fully prepared to take it to the next level. He made the varsity team as a freshman and began competing in various invitationals and matches. 


Bradley’s most rewarding match:

Bradley got off to a rough start on the first few holes at the Springboro Invitational during his sophomore year; however, he did not let that stop him from having a great round. Bradley recalls, “I followed it up with 2 chip-ins and multiple birdies to shoot 75.” He was very proud of his ability to regroup and come back from a challenging start.  


How to come back after a bad hole:

Golf requires a strong mental game to succeed. The best golfers can shake off a bad hole and come back even better on the next one. “I tell myself that the last hole didn't happen and stay focused on the next shot.” 


Bradley’s favorite golf course:

His favorite course to play is Heatherwoode Golf Course. “They treat junior golfers extremely well, and the course conditions are always top-notch.” 


How to stay motivated to improve:

It can be difficult to always stay motivated to improve in a sport such as golf. There are always constant ups and downs that can mentally affect a player's mindset. Bradley’s approach to handling this is to keep reminding himself of his goal and push through no matter what. “I just want to keep getting better.”


Something people do not know about golf:

“A lot of people always assume that golf is easy but it’s way harder than you’d think. You can hit the same shot with the same swing and it will have a different outcome depending on the day.”


Bradley’s strengths and weaknesses:

“I like to think my biggest strength is my wedge game. Anything 100 yards and in, I feel comfortable with.” Short wedges tend to be an area that even the most experienced golfers struggle with, so having the ability to feel confident in this area is something that can set apart golfers from the rest. “As for my weakness, I feel that my putting has a lot of room for me to improve my game even more.” 


Favorite memory:

“My favorite part has been the van rides to and from tournaments. The van is where all of the best memories are made. Getting to hang out with the team and listening to music is always really fun.”


Bradley’s high school accomplishments:

Bradley was awarded 1st Team All-Conference in both his sophomore and junior year. He also received Co-MVP at the end of his sophomore year for his performance and leadership. With the season still in continuation, there is no doubt that he will receive many more awards!


Bradley’s golf goals:

At the time of the interview, Bradley and the rest of the golf team were prepping for Districts. “My main goal is to advance to State as a team.” The boys team ended up placing 3rd to advance to State this weekend in Columbus. Springboro is 1 out of only 2 schools in Ohio to have both their boys and girls golf teams advance to State this year. 


Advice for other golfers:

“Maintain most of your practice on your short game. Focus on your putting and getting as many up and downs as possible because that can save your round.” 


Good luck to Bradley and the rest of the golf teams as they wrap up their season at State this weekend!

Popular posts from this blog

Interview with SHS Football Player Mason Pittl

-
Image
  Welcome to the fall sports edition of Off the Reels! This hardworking senior athlete is giving it his all this season as he is nearing the end of his Springboro football career. Meet SHS Football Player Mason Pittl… Football story: Mason's passion for football initially developed through his father's influence. They would frequently watch numerous football games together, and he grew to admire NFL player Sean Taylor. After Mason began to show even more of an interest in the sport, his Dad encouraged him to start playing football in 5th grade. Position on the team: Mason plays inside linebacker for the Springboro Panthers defense. During his junior season, he had a total of 101 tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception. As a team captain this year, he sets a leadership example for his team through his dedication and encouraging words. Pre-game rituals: It’s important for athletes to get in the right headspace before going out to compete. Mason does this by listening to his favorit
Read more

Interview with SHS Soccer Player Kaitlynn Long

-
Image
  Welcome back to the fall sports edition of Off the Reels. This talented senior athlete just finished her high school soccer career with a team District Runner-Up finish.  Meet SHS Soccer Player Kaitlynn Long… Soccer story: Kaitlynn started playing soccer when she was just three years old. From playing through the YMCA, the local Springboro recreational league, all the way up to a competitive club team, she’s done it all. She grew up also playing basketball, but knew she was going to stick with soccer after she played for NWC Alliance. “ My coaches at NWC really inspired me to continue playing and getting better. They always encouraged me to keep working. ” Position on the team: Kaitlynn plays center and outside forward. Her speed and natural athleticism allow her to contribute to her team’s success by scoring and assisting goals. As a senior, she leads her team by helping to instill different qualities into her teammates such as communication, accountability, and problem solving.   S
Read more

Interview with SHS Basketball Player Ava Wade

-
Image
  Welcome back to Off the Reels! This winter sports athlete is only a sophomore but has already made enormous strides for the SHS Lady Panthers basketball team.  Meet SHS Basketball Player Ava Wade… Basketball story: Basketball has been a part of Ava’s family for as long as she can remember. Her mom played in college for the University of Miami and her dad played all throughout high school. In Kindergarten, Ava decided to play in a recreational basketball league and the rest was history.   Position on the court: Ava’s height, strength, and speed allow her to have the opportunity to play multiple different positions during the game. She considers herself to be a guard or forward. Ava is a great outside shooter and can also post up in the paint. She’s an incredibly well-rounded player that can execute almost any task at hand. Motivation: “Basketball is all I do, so I want to give it my all and be the best version of myself on the court.” Ava’s self-motivation is very admirable and someth
Read more