By Derrick Smith

As a member of a sports team, you can face several opponents and they each will have different skill levels. Some may be better than yours, while others may not be as good. Either way, when you step onto the field, both teams have an equal chance to win the game. Charleigh Haskins has one opponent that she says is her favorite to beat, and it is someone she is very familiar with. 

“The opponent I enjoy beating the most is myself,” she said. “The game of golf is mental, and I want to be able to play the best game I possibly can. One of the highlight moments of my career is when I shot my personal best which was 12 strokes less than my previous best.”

Haskins, who is a senior at Blackwell High School, plays on the school’s golf team. She is also a mat maid for the wrestling team. She says that while she works hard physically to be the best she can be, she knows that she also has to be just as prepared mentally.

“Like in most things, it takes lots of practice to become successful in the game of golf,” Charleigh stated. “My favorite part of the day is when I get to go to the golf course. As for my motivation, the game of golf itself motivates me. I am always wanting to improve and become a better golfer. One bad shot makes me want to practice more so that I do not make the same bad shot again.”

When she has some downtime, Haskins enjoys catching up on social media. She says that out of all the people she follows, there is one that she enjoys the most. 

“I really like following past Olympian Shawn Johnson on social media. I enjoy watching her vlogs and think she’s a good role model.”

Along with golf and being a mat maid, Charleigh is also a member of the student council, Quiz Bowl, Pep Club, and Gifted and Talented. She has been a member of the National Honor Society for three years and a member of HOSA and the National Technical Honor Society for two years.