Each month we recognize a pair of student athletes, one boy on a team and one girl on a team, for their performance on the field. This month, we recognize freshman Mateo Zazueta.

It is Zazueta’s first year on the Birmingham Community Charter High School varsity golf team. He was inspired by his dad to get into the sport and is interested in trying something different. Some might be daunted by learning golf from scratch, but with prior experience, Mateo is ready to persevere through the challenges he might face.

Q: What inspired you to join the golf team?

A: I’ve enjoyed golf and it was a good way to get out of P.E.

Q: Are you in JV or varsity?

A: Well there’s not enough players for there to be two teams so I guess varsity.

Q: When do you have practices?

A: We have practices Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your sport and what keeps you motivated?

A: I don’t know. It’s nice to be out there. It’s kind of calming. And I like the idea that it’s all self-improvement.

Q: Do you look up to any professional golfers?

A: Yeah, my dad golfs.

Q: How do you balance academic responsibilities with your commitment to golf?

A: I just, I leave with very early practices. So I just got to make sure I get that work done.

Q: Do you play against any other teams when playing golf or how does that work?

A: You know what they do is they take all the schools around our area and split them up into different leagues. So all the schools play on the same day. The only thing that happens is that they sort of mix us up by like, whatever they ranked us as and then at the end of the day they just add up the scores of each school. So that’s how we compete.

Q: How many players are on your team?

A: 7.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring high school golfers who are just starting out?

A: Just keep in mind that no one shot is going to define you and it’s more about how you played overall. So if you mess up, then just remember there’s still more chances. Also, just remind yourself that it is your own game. In a way. It’s not a team sport. You’re not relying on anyone. So if you’re gonna get mad at someone, get mad at yourself.