Laredo Sports Medicine Clinic is proud to announce our spotlight athlete for February 2016…Daniella Hernandez! Daniella’s story is just beginning, but already, she’s made quite an impact. A sophomore at Zapata High School, this accomplished golfer is driven and focused on reaching her goals, and her recent awards in her chosen sport prove that she’s just getting started.
Following her newfound interest in golf, Daniella decided to join the golf team at Zapata Middle School. During her seventh and eighth grade years, she worked on improving her swing. Her hard work did not go unnoticed as she received numerous medals for her endeavors.
As she transitioned to high school, our featured athlete had a successful freshman year where she tied for third place at the Border Olympics. Daniella was proud of herself, as this had not been achieved in quite some time by a high school freshman. Her success at the Border Olympics also made Daniella a 2015 Regional Qualifier. The Lady Hawks golf team was also presented the District 32-4A First Team All Around Award, which gave her and the team a great way to conclude their season.
During the 2015 golf season, Daniella was in the top 5 in all 6 tournaments she played in. Her top recognitions include placing second at the 2015 32-4A District tournament, first place at the 2015 Big Red Championship tournament, and first place in the 2015 Webb County Junior Championship.
Now in her sophomore year, Daniella presently plays in the Varsity Lady Hawks golf team. The 2016 golf season has just begun, and already Daniella has a victory under her belt. Her first tournament of the season was held on January 15 & 16 in Pharr, Texas at the Tierra del Sol Golf Club. Daniella placed 6th out of 92 competitors. She is optimistic that her upcoming tournaments for this season will have an even better outcome. Her success in the game of golf does not come easily. When reflecting on her athletic career, she stated,
“I practice year round, the weather is no excuse. My dedication to this sport is seen every time that I go compete and come home with a medal or a better score than the one prior. My advice to other golfers is to stay focused and treat every hole as a new opportunity to prove how good you are.”
Daniella’s dedication to the sport continues during the offseason as well. She has been rigorously training with RG Golf Instruction under the direction of Rudy Gonzalez since December of 2013 in an effort to improve her technique. She is thankful for his knowledge of golf that he has passed on to her as well as the countless opportunities to play in out-of-school tournaments. These have had a positive impact on her life and have helped shape her as an athlete. She also largely credits her high school coach, David Saenz, with playing a vital role in her learning, along with her parents, who are always there to encourage her.
When she is not improving her swing, Daniella dedicates herself in the classroom. As a sophomore, Daniella is making the most out of her high school years. She is enrolled in pre-AP and AP courses, maintains perfect attendance, and is involved in extra curricular activities such as the Class of 2018 Student Council and the Mesquite 4-H Club.
When asked if she would every play golf professionally, she says,
“I’d love to. It is one of my dreams to either play or coach golf professionally.”
Wherever Daniella’s path takes her, it is evident that despite her youth, she has a great head on her shoulders. The game of golf has helped discipline her. In reflecting her growth as an athlete, she says,
“I strongly believe that my accomplishments, both academically and in golf, depend on my attitude and determination. A positive attitude is a must in attaining my goals.”
Any time Daniella is faced with a hurdle, she remembers her favorite quote from Rocky Balboa,
“If you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth.”
We are excited to see where Daniella’s persistence takes her. LSMC congratulates and is proud to recognize Daniella Hernandez as February’s Spotlight Athlete!