by Claire Carter | Staff Writer
While most of us are diving into our third episode of Real Housewives or enjoying a homework-free Tuesday evening, sophomore Taylor Coleman is out on the golf course perfecting her game for hours as part of her daily routine. From taking home the gold in this year’s State tournament to placing eighth in the first day of an LPGA tournament, her golfing career has only begun, all at the promising age of sixteen.
“I was in eighth place after day one [of the LPGA tournament]. It was awesome because I was beating all the professional golfers that I looked up to,” Coleman said. “I felt so accomplished.”
Coleman’s golfing career has been ten years in the making, with coaches and family helping her along the way.
“My dad has played the biggest role in my golfing career, even though now I actually beat him when we go play,” Coleman said.
Coleman perfects her game every day, helping her take first in this year’s state tournament. Her stats have long been impressive, but Coleman’s game still surprises.
“[Coleman] shooting a 63 in the opening round of the regional golf tournament was a surprise,” Johnson golf coach Mike Martin said. “Not because I didn’t think she could, but because those are special moments rarely achieved by young players.”
Coleman’s great success has taken her far, and at a young age, it is important not to let the fame get to your head.
“It was awesome to see Taylor handle herself with class and character while staying true to her genuine roots as she did in the North Texas LPGA Shoot Out,” Martin said.
Coleman understands that fame is fleeting, and has used her experience to develop her character into a modest player.
“Going from the LPGA tournament to State was nice because a lot of people knew who I was,” Coleman said. “I’ve learned not to let myself get obsessed with temporary fame, so I always try and keep myself as modest as I can be because golf will always be somewhat of a challenge for me.”
Coleman has not only been feautured by MySA.com and the NEISD home page, but also ESPN. Coleman received EPSN’s “Athlete of the Week” award, and has a lifetime of memories and Instagrammed pictures to record these moments. Her fan base is made up of all ages, even her teammates look up to her.
“When I was in eighth grade I told [Coleman] she was my idol, and playing with her now is just awesome, she’s really helped me with my mental game,” freshman golfer Loryn Munoz said. “Her pursuit to be the best and her competitive spirit makes her someone i look up to.”
“I like golf because I don’t have to rely on anyone else…It’s all on me,” Coleman said. “I don’t plan on ever giving up golf.”
