Athlete Profile: Ava Pleshek

Bonduel senior wrapping up strong golf career

As the girls golf season comes to a close, Bonduel High School’s Ava Pleshek will see her strong career wrap up.

Pleshek has been one of the team’s top golfers since her freshman season. She ended her junior season on the Bay Conference second team.

She again helped lead the team this fall, as the Bears finished seventh in the conference standings.

Q: When did your interest in golf begin?

A: Golf originally caught my interest freshman year when I decided volleyball wasn’t for me. I went to one of the practices and liked the friendly environment. An upperclassman convinced me to join, and ever since then the game has been something I really enjoy.

Q: What is your favorite part about the golf season?

A: My favorite part about the golf season is going to meets and getting to know all the girls that I golf with. After golfing with them so many times, you become really great friends with some of them. I also love spending time with my team when we go out to eat after each meet.

Q: With the season and your golf career in high school coming to an end, what has been your favorite memory?

A: Some of my favorite memories were from freshman year when we would always listen to Christmas music at full volume on the way to and from our golf meets. Another memory that has turned into a tradition is waking up early and going to eat at the pancake place before conference every year.

Q: What did the game of golf teach you over the years?

A: Golf has taught me so much over the years, but something that I did not fully master until this year is staying relaxed throughout the meet. I used to get so nervous before each swing I took, but I learned to take a deep breath and (not) let it get to me. I have learned a lot of patience that will help me in the future.

Q: As a senior, how did you try and help lead the rest of the team?

A: This past year we had a lot of new girls that came out. I tried to help get them out on the course before the season started to prepare them for meets. I also try to stay positive and encourage my teammates when they weren’t happy with a score they got.

Q: What is your favorite golf course to play on, and why?

A: My favorite golf course to play at is Mid Vallee (in De Pere). It is a well-tailored course, and I seem to golf better there.

Q: Do you have any rituals you go through before a round starts?

A: I don’t necessarily have specific rituals before each meet, but I have noticed that I always need to have my particular hat while golfing. I also always eat fruit snacks while I’m on the course.

Q: You are a member of the Shawano Ski Sharks. How does water skiing help you out on the golf course?

A: They are two completely different sports; however, while skiing in a show there is a lot going on, so it helps me keep my mind focused on what’s ahead of me. This helps me stay focused on the course as well and think about the holes ahead of me.

Q: Favorite movie, TV show and music artist?

A: Movie — “The Greatest Showman.” TV show — “The Vampire Diaries.” Music artist — Mac Miller.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know?

A: One thing that not everyone knows is I was a gymnast for eight years and quit right before high school. Just last year I started dance, and our team went to nationals this past summer.

Q: What’s the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?

A: One of the biggest pieces of advice I’ve received is to follow my own path and focus on the goals I want to accomplish, not someone else’s.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: After high school I plan on going to a four-year college to study nutrition and dietetics. My biggest goal is to get job traveling around the world for my work. I love to travel, and that is something I plan on doing a lot of in the future.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Ava Pleshek

Sport: Girls golf

School: Bonduel High School

Year: Senior