Athlete Profile: Kate Pytleski

Oconto Falls High School’s Kate Pytleski has enjoyed a strong career for the girls golf team, and is again helping lead the Panthers this fall.

After helping the team qualify for sectionals as a sophomore, Pytleski qualified for sectionals as an individual in her junior season.

Pytleski led the Panthers at a number of matches this fall and recently made the North Eastern Conference second team.

The senior tied the best individual score with a nine-hole round of 48 to lead the Panthers to a first-place finish at a NEC meet back on Aug. 18. She fired a round of 53 to help Oconto Falls win another conference meet on Aug. 22.

Pytleski tied for a team’s best score of 52 while helping the team to another top finish on Aug. 29. She was tied for second on the team when it won another NEC match on Sept. 13.

Q: When did your interest in golf begin?

A: Golf has always been in my life. My family loves golf, meaning I grew up on the golf course. I also work at River Island Golf Course.

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

A: I truly just love being around my teammates. Our bond is so tight, we have the best time together, especially on the van rides home from a match.

Q: What has golf taught you over the years?

A: Golf has taught me to be mentally tough. Next shot is all that matters. I love telling myself “bad shot, not a bad round.”

Q: With the season winding down, what are your keys to advancing in the postseason?

A: Everyone just needs to keep the mindset that we had going into conference, and ultimately being conference runner-ups. Our confidence and positive attitudes with ourselves and teammates makes us successful.

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

A: With it being my second year as team captain, my motto has always been to be approachable. I want to be someone the girls can come to for anything and everything; on and off the course.

Q: Posting consistently strong rounds isn’t an easy feat, yet you were able to do that throughout your high school career. What was the key to your success?

A: I would have to give credit for a lot to my high school success to my dad (Ben). He has always been my biggest supporter and he pushes me to do my best, every single round. My favorite golf rounds are with him.

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

A: Personally I love golfing at Hilly Haven. It is always in such good conditions and I shot good at sectionals there last year. It also is a beautiful course.

Q: Before a match starts, do you or the team have any routines or rituals you go through?

A: We usually just have a quick pep talk in the van to relax everyone’s nerves and we laugh a lot, taking lots of pressure off and focusing on having fun.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Oconto Falls girls golf team?

A: I loved my sectional experiences. And mostly just representing my high school. And of course when my teammate ate 18 buffalo chicken wings after a match!

Q: Favorite movie, TV show, and musical artist?

A: Movie — “Top Gun.” TV show — “Gilmore Girls.” Musical artist — probably Taylor Swift.

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

A: Disney World is my favorite place on earth.

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

A: I hope to graduate from Marquette University with a doctorate in dentistry. I also hope to stay an active member in my community.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Kate Pytleski

Sport: Girls golf

School: Oconto Falls High School

Year: Senior