Audrey Eckart knows her way around a golf course.
Eckart, a four-year starter for the Whiteland girls golf team, is anxious to get the season started and confident about stepping into a role of leadership as the team’s only senior.
“I’m excited about the talent of this team,” first-year Warriors coach Crystal Morse said. “When it comes to attitude and work ethic, Audrey sets a wonderful example for our underclassmen.”
Eckart has learned well the important lessons and responsibilities of a senior from past Whiteland teams.
“They’ve always taken charge from Day 1 in keeping us all together like family, and I hope to do the same,” she said. “I’m planning on putting our underclassmen under my wing and do my best to make them feel comfortable.”
Throughout her high school career, Eckart has recorded 18-hole scores in the low- to mid-80s. She credits much of her success to former Whiteland coach Kristen Welker and local golf professional Scott Downing.
“When I was a young girl, I used to ride around the course with my family and I would occasionally hit a shot or two,” Eckart said. “I really didn’t get serious about playing high school golf until the summer before my freshman year. Ever since, I’ve just loved the game.”
In an effort to stay involved outside the regular season, Eckart has been a familiar face as a part-time employee at Franklin’s Hillview Country Club.
“I can’t tell you how much those people mean to me,” Eckart said. “The experience I’ve gained has been so enjoyable and could never be replaced.”
Eckart describes the game of golf as one of the most disciplined sports to engage in.
“It’s certainly takes a lot of thought and patience,” she said. “The previous three years have been invaluable.”
Not only will the fast-paced girls golf season begin and end in a six- to-seven week span, Eckart is preparing for a seven-semester mid-year graduation in December.
“My family is moving to Atlanta the first of the year,” she said.
Eckart had narrowed her college choice to either Georgia Tech or Alabama.
“After only 10 minutes on the Alabama campus, I fell in love with it,” she said. “My plans are to enroll in the College of Commerce and Business there and one day work in the field of data analytics.”
But first things first.
Whiteland begins its regular season Thursday against Columbus East.
