Elizabeth Velasco builds individual skill and learns teamwork while playing golf. Elizabeth is a senior at Carl Albert High School. She enjoys telling people about her sport. “By pulling their interest into golf some people get to discover a new hobby just because I influenced them to try it out!” she said.
She started playing golf in the eighth grade. “My grandma would take me to the golf course, and I really enjoyed it! I am passionate about golf because it is so fun to walk the course and be in nature with fresh air. It is a sport that my grandparents and family members play, so it is nice to meet up with them and have family time in a good environment,” says Elizabeth.
She is passionate about developing her skills on the golf course. “I can always improve my swing and get my score lower. Since it is more of an individual sport, I can work on myself while I’m playing and it gives me a chance to escape social media and the busyness of life,” she said.
Her favorite memory is from a tournament hosted by the CAHS team. “It was the tournament where I shot my lowest score. Both my mom and grandma were there to support me,” she said.
Elizabeth wants to thank her golf coach, Mr. Copeland. “He has improved my swing and has given me so many tips on how to be a more dedicated golfer. He made adjustments to our practice so now all the girls get to golf at the local course every day and get in a more intentional practice so that we can improve! He has done so much for our team, and it is really transforming the program!” exclaims Elizabeth.
Ms. Dearborn is Elizabeth’s favorite teacher. She taught Introduction to Art her sophomore year. “Ms. Dearborn is very passionate and caring, she gets to know all her students super well and makes them feel heard no matter what their background or school records look like,” says Elizabeth. “Ms. Dearborn treats all her students with the same love. She makes her classroom a relaxing space where students can take a break from the stressful core classes as well.”
Elizabeth is inspired by her mom for building a strong family and always supporting her children. “My mom is always behind me to help when I am struggling, and she teaches me to look for the positive in all my situations,” she said.
The best advice comes from grandma. “She reads me scripture from the Bible about how God holds my future and will always protect me, therefore I don’t need to stress out about my future or have anxiety for things to come, because God will be with me and protect me! I always try to live in the present and enjoy the stages of life that I am currently experiencing,” Elizabeth says.
Elizabeth has been a CAHS cheerleader for the past seven years and is active in youth group, NHS, 4.0 Club, Rotary, and FCA.