Molly Buschmann, a sophomore golfer, was able to compete as the only representative of WHS’ girls golf players on October 18th and 19th at the Meadow Lake Acres course in New Bloomfield, Missouri. 

“[Molly placed] 57 out of 83 girls in Class three with an overall two day score of 205 on 36 holes,” Assistant Lady Jays golf coach Jessica Fitzgerald said.

Despite not placing what Buschmann had initially hoped to get in state, she found that the opportunity inspired her and helped her to learn new things. 

“This just makes me want to work harder so that, if I go again next year, I perform better. Everyone told me that this year at state was just to see what state was all about and that next year [is] when I have to perform well,” Buschmann said.

Buschmann wasn’t the only one who learned new things from this experience.

“I learned to live in the moment, and stress how proud we are of Molly and team.  Golf is a mind game.  It is a sport that you cannot think about that one bad shot or hole.  You have to be thinking about the next one,” Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald also explained how this experience gave her more goals and ambitions for the team next year. 

“We have never had a team of lady golfers qualify for state, we have only had single girls qualify to go. [However], I would love to see Washington have a team of lady golfers make it to state”

Buschmann was the only member of the team who was able to make it into the state competition, but she didn’t let the fear of competing alone stop her. 

“I couldn’t have gotten through the stress of state without Isabella Fitzgerald and Emily Molitor,” Buschmann said, “They both missed the state cut by 1 stroke but came to Jefferson City with me and stayed in the same hotel; they walked the course on the cart path along side of me and cheered me on.”

Coach Fitzgerald also noticed the importance that team bonding had for the girls throughout the season.

“When the girls were having fun, they played their best, especially when going into districts. Having them play together on the course, they bonded and learned from each other.  When the girls know each other better and laugh together, they just play better.”

Buschmann also found support and motivation from outside of her peers. 

“My dad, who is the boys golf coach, really wanted me to go to state, so I kept practicing and working for it. Someone who motivated me was Mrs. Fitzgerald, the assistant coach. She would always tell me I’m doing great and to breathe and that really helped me concentrate.”

The state competitor initially wasn’t sure about her passion for golf growing up, but it has since grown into a larger desire that keeps her motivated to keep playing golf today.

“My family golfs and so I was just kinda forced to play.” Buschmann said, “After being forced I started to enjoy it and now I play so one day I can beat my family and make them proud.”