American Heritage junior Katherine Schaefer made a statement with her play on the course to lead the Patriots to a Class 2A state championship during the 2022 season.
Schaefer, who also finished as the individual state runner-up, was selected as the Sun Sentinel Broward girls golfer of the year.
Schaefer placed second at the state final and recorded a total of 141 (71-70). The Patriots also finished seven points ahead of Ponte Vedra to win the state title.
“My only focus and goal was playing the course to the best of my ability,” she said. “I was positive and kept a good head on my shoulders. When you walk off the 18th green at states and are able to celebrate as a team, there is nothing like it.”
Schaefer led the Patriots to a district title and placed first with a 73. She also helped the Patriots earn regional runner-up honors and placed second during a playoff as an individual after firing a 69.
“I was a lot more confident this year and I grew stronger mentally with my game,” she said. “My mentality was definitely to take away all the positives and only that. Our coaches are absolutely incredible. Everything we do at practice helps prepare us. They inspire all of us and I couldn’t do it without them.”
Schaefer, who started playing competitively at 8, was encouraged by her parents and grandparents. She has enjoyed several moments on the course, including qualifying for the LPGA Tournament of Champions as an amateur in a Pro-Am event in Orlando. She also previously participated and won U.S. Kids Golf tournaments and South Florida Junior PGA events.
Schaefer started playing at American Heritage as a sixth grader. She has learned from her past teammates and continued on the tradition of excellence.
“The goal is to be the best leader I can be for the team,” she said. “We worked hard and supported each other.”
