Hannah Joo, a member of the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf eLeader Board of Directors, helped lead her high school team back to the top of the leaderboard! Despite the unusual circumstances, the Monte Vista High School Girls Golf team has had one of its best seasons and finished undefeated. This team has now climbed to 3rd place on MaxPreps, is home to all-league medalist Emily Luo (Fr.), and has a team average of around 38. Here is what graduating captain, Hannah, has to say about the team:
“I’ve been a part of this team for four years, and we started off at the bottom of the East Bay Athletic League. We didn’t achieve all that we have this past year from just golf technique, but because we’ve worked to strengthen our team bond. I remember girls used to never talk or even get along, but now the team is a place where girls learn to be leaders and to have fun while playing golf.”
It’s safe to say that this team will continue to grow and improve. It’s been a long journey to get here, but with confidence, determination, and positivity, girls can do everything they dream of and more!”
Learn more about Girls Golf eLeader Hannah Joo and how she’s helping to changing the face of golf:
Role as eLeader Board of Director:
Director of Site Growth
Year joined as eLeader/eLeader Board of Director:
2021
College:
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Who introduced you to golf and when did you start playing?
I started playing golf when I was 8, mainly because my mom wanted to start getting lessons. I stuck around with it in the beginning because my closest friends were at golf and it was a generally easy way to hang out with them.
Why did you decide to join the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf eLeader program?
I really value community and leadership and the eLeader program was an opportunity for me to continue exploring that interest while also sharing my love for the sport.
What was your experience as high school golf team captain like?
Absolutely amazing! To be completely honest, the work I did as my school’s captain was the most rewarding out of all of my high school endeavors. I was able to not only help make the team more unified and spirited, but more dedicated! I loved it so much that I’m even considering coming back as an assistant coach before I head off to college.
What made you choose UCLA?
Everything about UCLA felt perfect. I loved the school pride, the location was absolutely amazing, and it was far away from home (without me having to leave the only state I think I could survive in, in terms of weather). I’m also really certain that I want to become a doctor and going to UC medical school in the future is a big dream of mine. I knew going to UCLA was going to help me in getting there. I love the genuine social and academic balance, and their club golf team was strong enough where I felt like I wouldn’t totally have to give up competitive golf for my academic pursuits.
What will you major in UCLA? Will you pursue golf?
I’m planning on either majoring in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology or in Biochemistry (right now I am leaning towards Biochem) with the pre-med track. I might add a minor in Biotech or Spanish. I won’t be playing golf on the varsity level, but I do plan on joining the club team and maybe continuing to play in some independent tournaments.
Why do you recommend golf to more women and girls?
I think golf is a really fun way to socialize (even during a pandemic), and it’s a sport that not only tests your athletic ability but also teaches responsibility, independence, discipline, mental strategy and strength, and leadership.
How can golf be more welcoming to you and other Asian Americans?
I personally have had a great experience, but I know some country clubs look down at or speak patronizingly towards Asian Americans. I think, in general, acceptance and treatment as equals is always important.
What have you learned from your parent(s) and their journey?
I learned to work hard and always remember the end goal. Overall, what I’ve taken away from my parents is that I should never let someone else dictate what I can and cannot accomplish and to defy stereotypes whether they seem positive or negative at first glance.
Where do you think or hope to be in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to be a resident at a hospital, learning to be an oncologist or a pediatric surgeon. I like to think that I’ll still be playing golf, especially as a way to take a break from the stress of working in the medical field.
Who would be in your “dream foursome”?
My swing coach since I was ten (Brian Brake), Inbee Park, and Taylor Swift.
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