This week’s Athlete of the Week is being awarded to senior Deanna Nagel for her continuous hard work in golf over the past 4 years. Congrats Deanna!

Deanna, better known as Dee, became interested in the sport at the end of her eighth-grade year. She picked up a golf club for the first time that summer and since then, she’s never put it down.

“My favorite golf memory is probably when I out-drove my dad at Mystic Rock. Him and his friends placed a bet that if I could out-drive him that they would buy me another round and if I lost I had to buy them dinner anywhere they wanted. I ended up out-driving him and getting another round,” Dee said.

For the past four years, Dee has been an active and key member of the BPHS girls’ golf team. This being her senior year and the golf season now over, she is forced to move onto bigger and better things.

Dee says, “I hope to play in the future. I would like to play in college and I’m talking to 5 coaches from different schools.”

She encourages others to get involved in golf because of all the opportunities it can bring as well as many new friendships.

“I’ve made some really good friends and met some great players over the years,” Dee added.

Golf is one of the few sports that can be played throughout one’s entire life no matter what age. The age range of golfers can go anywhere from 6 to 60+.

Dee said, “Anyone and everyone can play. It’s an easy sport to get into.”

When asked how a person can improve on their golfing skills, Dee says, “You can take lessons or even just go out and play. You can play new courses and practice with different clubs and different yardages and you will improve.”

Even though you can pick up a golf club and begin learning at any age or at any time, Dee stands by, “the younger the better.”

Dee’s inspiration is her dad because of how much he pushes her to become the best golfer she can be.

“He is always there to tell me what I should’ve done or tell me what I did well. Almost every match and tournament he is there at the end to either yell at me or hug me. He has been there for me as a coach and as my number 1 fan,” Dee adds.

Dee is excited for all the adventures she is going create in college and even more excited about where her golf career is going to lead her. With her family by her side, she is truly unstoppable.

If you have any questions about BPHS golf, make sure to ask the Athletics Office or talk to Deanna Nagel. She would be more than happy to provide students who are interested in joining information about the sport and how to get involved.