Speedy Kent, sophomore, overcame a bad wrist injury during the past year that held her back from playing golf. Her recovery inspired others to never give up.

Kent is a true leader at Homestead whether it comes to academics or the game of golf.  She has been a dedicated golfer since she was five years old. She and her dad travel all around the U.S. for tournaments, and she always goes for the gold.

As a model athlete in golf, she always knows how to control her thoughts. When the ball isn’t going where she wants it to go, she fights to do better, and when she shoots the perfect score and holds a medal in her hands, she knows there is still room for improvement.

This Homestead Fall Golf season was tough for Kent due to a wrist injury. Starting at Blackwolf Run golf course in late July for a college showcase, Kent felt her wrist jam up during the round, but with the help of a bag of ice, she managed to pull through, taking first with an 80 at one of the toughest courses in the country.

Traveling up to Stevens Point right after for a big tournament didn’t aid in her recovery. On the range, when she was warming up, she felt huge pains go through her wrist and up her arm. Knowing she needed to get checked out, Kent ended up dropping out of the tournament.

The doctor tested her. Waiting over a week to get results, she was unable to pick up a club. They found that it wasn’t a fracture like they thought, but a bad sprain that was supposed to take over a month to heal. The doctors said that it would be a “miracle” if she managed to fully recover during the season.

As she was getting treated, Homestead golf started and the team was panicking, aware that they were going in without their number one player. The team stayed strong and stuck together during the first few weeks going into invitationals despite missing Kent.

When conference started, the team managed to hold out without Kent, taking first at the Brown Deer meet and second at Blackstone, hoping to get Kent back soon.

Following the doctor’s instructions, Kent got better within two weeks of her diagnosis, jumping right back on the course to help her team.

Kent led her team to victory, and they ended up finishing first at conference, second at regionals a point behind Arrowhead and second at sectionals, sneaking in front of Hartford and heading off to state with tears of joy.

“She always had a positive attitude towards everything and never let anyone down, making sure everyone is included. Speedy always has a smile on her face, and I look up to her and her amazing life experiences,” Galina Haugh, junior, said.

The team had an amazing bond this year that helped their wins. Kent being able to overcome her injury motivated the team, allowing her to pull out pro-level scores.

“Speedy’s support is what makes her a good leader, and she encourages everyone around her to do their best,” Isabelle Maleki, sophomore, said.

“She always tells motivational stories about how she improved on her game,”Anne Schlageter, junior, said.

Kent hopes to continue to improve as a golfer and a leader for her last two years at Homestead, wishing to perform great things during the next few seasons. Her ultimate goals are becoming a professional golfer and starting her own golf merchandise brand. Revealing her motto, Kent said, “Just keep swinging.”

Q and A with Speedy Kent

How have you overcame adversity?

In the beginning of the year, something was different about me. I didn’t feel like the Speedy Kent I was the previous year. I was self-conscious and felt like everyone expected me to make no mistakes .

I let it get to my head, which caused me to shoot 20 more strokes than I normally would. Getting so nervous that my hands would shake, I got to the point where I didn’t want to play anymore, letting fears control me. Eventually, it clicked in my head to keep fighting, finally overcoming my fears and feeling happy to play the game I love. I use my story to inspire others to never give up when times are tough since there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

How often do you travel for tournaments to improve your game?

In the summer, I usually stay in the Midwest, but in July, I travel to San Diego, Calif. where I compete in Junior Worlds. During the months where I’m unable to play, I travel to Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina. About once or twice a month, I travel to escape the cold winters of Wisconsin.

What is your motivation?

I’ve set high goals for myself to achieve. Having those goals allows me to work hard every time I practice because I know they won’t be easy for me to accomplish.

What are goals you have for yourself?

• Win the WIAA state tournament

• Place top 10 at IMG, Junior Worlds

• Play golf at a D1 school

• Get an all-American award in college

• Qualify for the NCAA tournament in college

• Play for Ladies Pro-Golf Association

• Win U.S. Golf Open

Gallery • 5 Photos

Speedy Kent, sophomore, walks in the introduction parade at the Junior Worlds competition in San Diego, representing U.S against 50 other countries, that she qualified for. Submitted photo.