Student athlete profile

Sarah Thornton

Senior

Hinsdale

When did you first start golfing?

I started golfing the very beginning of middle school. My brother played and I kind of took over one of his lessons and just started playing.

What do you enjoy most about the sport?

I love meeting new people and being able to practice. It's really calming for me and what I do in my free time.

Do you have any pre-meet rituals or routines?

I always listen to music and I have to eat something before I play and every three holes while I'm golfing.

What is the best advice you've gotten from a coach?

Never give up on a hole, never give up on a round.

How have you improved since your freshman year?

I've definitely gotten more mentally strong. I feel like right now, I'm a lot more calm on the course. I'm better at bouncing back from bad holes.

What example do you try to set as captain?

Since we have such a strong team, if we had bad days, just trying to be there for each other and making sure if you do play bad, you're still a part of the team and you should make everyone feel included and confident going into the next round.

What course would you most like to play?

Waterville in Ireland. I played there when I was little and it was my favorite course I've ever played. Also Whistling Straights in Wisconsin. I've never played but I want to play there.

What's your favorite class?

AP lit. I like reading and writing.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I'm really good at the piano. I played a lot of concerts when I was little, and I traveled to Carnegie Hall in New York and the Lincoln Center in New York and I played concerts there. I took time away from concert piano because of golf, but I still play by myself.

Why does coach Nick Latorre like having Thornton on the team?

Sarah has been a rock in our program for the past four years. She has an incredible work ethic and has been a great role model for all of our younger players. Additionally, her leadership skills have really blossomed and she is a pleasure to have on our team.

- profile by Pamela Lannom, photo by

Jim Slonoff