By Derrick Smith

Athletes work hard and they sacrifice a lot in order to be the best they can be at their sport. And while the situation may not always be ideal, you have to take advantage of things when they are presented to you. Tiana Frantz loves to play the game of golf, but she knows that it can be tough on the wallet.

“It has taken a ton of dedication and focus as well as time and obviously money,” she stated. “Golf is not a cheap sport to be successful at, but at the same time, is any sport? I don’t get to go out and play as much, and I don’t have the resources to have private lessons, so whenever I do go out there with the team and practice, I like to try to zone into it and do my best. Of course, the team makes the practice easy-laughter and bonding always make me work better.”

Frantz, a junior at Putnam City North High School, competes in both swimming and golf. She says that she has had a few people that have been there for her no matter what is going on and they are a big reason she is the athlete and the person she is today.

“Coach Whittern has motivated and pushed me to be able to focus and really home in on my golf skills. He is a passionate coach who really wants to see us succeed individually and as a team. My best friend and boyfriend have been my number one supporters personally, emotionally, and mentally, allowing me to be able to grow and test my limits and abilities. My youth pastors and leaders have also been a big part of my growth, helping my spiritual development and guiding and advising me through the hard parts of life.

Frantz is also involved in a number of groups around the campus. She is a member of the student council, National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, National Society of High School Scholars, Link Crew Leader, HOSA (Future Health Professionals), and Bio Science Medical Academy at Francis Tuttle.”