It’s not how or when you start that matters most but rather how you finish. The example of Addysyn Asmus gives proof that success is a choice IF you’re willing to work hard enough to earn the prize.

The #1-bag for the Hilldale Lady Hornets golf team didn’t pick up a golf club until she reached the seventh grade when she discovered the will to win on the course.

“I was 14 years old when I got started playing golf after hearing an announcement over the PA at school and decided to give it a try,” recalled Asmus who realized that most of the others on her team had played for several years. “From day one to now, I’ve loved it.”

And now after spending a majority of her time developing her talents with the help of her swing coach as well as the support of family and friends, Asmus stepped to the front of the tee box for the Lady Hornets this spring to guide the team’s efforts to win a state championship for the sixth time.

“At Hilldale we don’t put a lot of emphasis on bag numbers. We play individually but at the end of the day, it’s all a team effort,” replied Asmus. “We all push each other to practice and play to the best of our abilities. I want to be a good leader and encourager no matter what bag I am.”

It’s an effort of hard work that earned Asmus words of praise from her coach.

“She’s made the best of her opportunities to become a good golfer in addition to the school season playing summer tournaments that has made Addysyn a better competitor,” replied Oren Sikes. “She doesn’t take time off and works hard to lower her scores. She’s done a good job this year and I’m excited to see what happens her senior year.”

With her trusty pitching wedge as her favorite club, “Addy” played 12 tournaments since March winning twice plus six top five scores including a fourth place individual total on the OSSAA Class 4A state tournament leaderboard where Hilldale had to go sudden death to claim a team title.

“When going up to the first hole with everyone from the tournament watching us tee off it was very nerve wrecking. I couldn’t stop shaking. I just had to stay focused and play the game I always do and not look back,” said Asmus as she clutched the gold medal. “I think a key reason for us winning state is because we played as a team. We had faith in each other to be our best individually.”

With a 4.3 GPA including top scores in math that Addy credits for her problem solving talents on and off the course, she’s a member of the National Honor Society, NIKE, FCCLA, Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership and also on the teen board at Fostering Hope where she volunteers.

Now with a state champion medal, Addysyn Asmus knows the work has just begun.

“Golf, unlike other sports, it’s hard to stay consistently good, so many things can affect your swing and scores,” said Asmus. “That’s why I keep repeating the quote from Ben Hogan…’the most important shot in golf is the next one’.”

With her commitment to be her best everyday, there’s little doubt that Addysyn Asmus will continue to finish strong.