Sports Spotlight - Windermere Observer: Emma Zhao

Emma Zhao, a Windermere resident and a junior at The First Academy, was among 20 golf players from nine states and three countries recently selected as part of the 15th American College Development Solutions Junior All-Star Team. These 20 players were recognized as some of the top junior golfers in the world. As part of the All-Star Team, Zhao was invited to play in the American Junior Golf Association’s Junior All-Star in Oregon next month, but she will not be competing there.

What was your reaction when you found out you made the All-Star team?

I’m really excited; it’s a great reward for my hard work.

How did you get involved in playing golf?

I was 13. My friend’s dad said it was a good sport, so I started playing.

Any idea of what you want to do after high school?

I want to go to a college with rigorous academic programs and a good golf team.

What do you plan to study?

I want to study something in a science-related subject.

What’s your favorite thing about golf?

I think you have to be really strong mentally and physically in order to play (well), and I think it’s a really good sport.

What’s the most challenging part of it for you?

I think I focus a lot on technique, and I think sometimes I don’t play consistently.

Do you have a certain strategy or technique when it comes to competition?

Just have fun.

If you could be any Disney princess, who would you be?

Rapunzel.

What’s your favorite holiday?

Halloween, because I like scaring people.

If you could go anywhere in the world to compete, where would it be?

Hawaii, because it’s really beautiful there, and I like beaches. I’ve been there once.

Any favorite bands or musicians at the moment?

I like Jason Mraz. 

Coke or Pepsi?

Coke.