With practice, sophomore jumps to No. 3 position

Current No. 3 player sophomore Ankitha Sarvesh adjusts her grip on her moving it a millimeter to the right. With the miniscule adjustment, her next swing is perfect.

Like many girl golfers, Sarvesh was initially inspired to play golf because of her father’s enjoyment of the sport. 

Sarvesh began golf four years ago. However, she developed neither a passion nor a talent for the sport until the summer before freshman year, when she realized her potential in the sport.

“I really like golf. I’ve been playing it seriously for a year and a half, and now I most enjoy all the little aspects put together, like how there are so many different clubs you can choose from,” Sarvesh said. “It’s not just a game of skill and strength, it’s also a game of strategy [and thinking].”

According to Sarvesh, practice is the key to success in golf, if not all sports. Sarvesh enjoys golf because her persistent effort makes her good. 

Sarvesh’s teammates describe her as optimistic and talented. Senior Zabrina Chang has known Sarvesh since the summer before Sarvesh’s freshman year and has seen her excel in golf over the past year. 

“[Sarvesh] is actually pretty quiet, but when she talks, she’s always really positive,” Chang said. “She’s definitely improved since last year. I’m pretty sure she’s practiced [her swing] a lot over this summer.”

Although Sarvesh is nervous about her No. 3 position on the team, she believes that pushing herself to take on more responsibilities on the team will result in benefits that outweigh any of the stresses.

“Last year I was No. 6, and this year I’m No. [3], so it’s kind of a big leap,” Sarvesh said. “I’m a little nervous, but I think that I’ve improved since last year, so I think that [this season] will be a good one.”

Sarvesh was drawn to golf because of its emphasis on individual competition. She believes it has helped her to rely on herself. 

“When I got sixth place in freshman year, I decided I needed to take it more seriously, so I started practicing a lot more,” Sarvesh said. “In a way, [golf has] made me more confident. I always underestimate myself, but now I [realize] I’m actually good at [golf].” 

Coach David Gragnola recognized Sarvesh’s extra effort this year.

“Ankitha worked hard on her games and is doing well,” Gragnola said. “The top four teams make the League Finals and I am hoping we make it this year.”

Sarvesh’s main personal goal for this season is to cut her score down with improved putting.

“My aim is good,” Sarvesh said. “It’s just I always hit too far.”

While learning golf, Sarvesh’s greatest challenge has been learning to overcome frustration. 

“I think the [hardest part] is when you have a bad shot, and then you get it in your mind,” Sarvesh said. “And when you [take] the next shot, you can’t be like, ‘Oh my god that shot was so terrible, I’ll just give up this hole,’ because you can still recover after a bad shot. [You] shouldn't give up; you should keep trying.”