By Derrick Smith

Most athletes have teammates that they work alongside in practice in order to get better and become better at their sport. While the bond that they have is important for team chemistry, it is also important for athletes to have others that they can lean on for encouragement and support. Larissa Jefferson says that she has two special people like that in her life. 

“My best friend Serena is a big supporter and fan,” she said. “She is always there when I need her and can give a good laugh when I need one. Also, my mom is always there. She is very independent and has taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to as long as I am committed and work at it. I am also thankful for my teammates. We build each other up and help each other out. If one of us is struggling with something, we help with whatever it might be to make sure that they understand what they can do to improve their game.”

Larissa is a senior at Frontier High School. She is the one bag on the school’s golf team and a member of the Frontier Indian Tribal Youth Council. 

As a golfer, Jefferson has had a number of positive experiences on and off the course. She says that overcoming the elements to win a competition is her favorite accomplishment. 

“I would have to say that winning the longest drive in the conditions that day would be a big moment for me,” she stated. “There were 35-40 mile per hour winds and the temperature was in the 40’s and it was sleeting. Overall, it was rough conditions, but it felt great to get that win.”

In order to overcome those obstacles and to be the best golfer she can be, Larissa says she has done a lot to prepare herself for competition. 

“It takes a lot of hard work and practice in order to be the best golfer I can,” she stated. “Knowing that there is always room for improvement in my game and having my family behind me believing in me are a couple of things that keep me motivated.”