hard work pays off for Orrville’s Abby Ankenman

Abby Ankenman: From Local Golf Courses to the State Championship

Abby Ankenman is no stranger to the golfing world. She has played on various courses, from the Northern Ohio Junior PGA Tour to her high school season. Abby’s dedication and hard work have finally paid off as she prepares to tee-off at the OHSAA Division II State Championship, held at Ohio State’s prestigious Gray Course.

When she’s not on the golf course, Abby can be found practicing on a golf simulator or hitting balls at the 150 range owned by her coach, Chuck Davis. Her commitment to perfection is evident in every aspect of her game.

“Abby truly loves to practice,” says Coach Davis. “She told me before the season started, ‘Coach, we’re going to state!’ We both laughed, but I could see the determination in her eyes.”

A former three-sport athlete, Abby made the difficult decision to focus solely on golf. She participated in various events, including the NOJPGA and the Galen Swartzentruber summer series. These experiences not only made her a formidable player on her high school team but also taught her to overcome any challenge that came her way.

Despite facing a midseason slump, Abby relied on her countless hours of practice to bounce back. Her hard work paid off when she scored an impressive 38 in her team’s final match against Tuslaw. She followed this up with an 80 at The Pines Sectional, where she won the medalist honors. Finally, she secured her spot in the state tournament with a thrilling one-hole playoff victory at the Good Park District.

Beating Mati Zines, a two-time state qualifier, in the district championship was a particularly remarkable accomplishment. “What she did at districts was simply amazing,” praises Coach Davis. “Her scores have improved significantly, and she never gave up.”

Abby’s achievements have made history for Orrville High School. She is the first girl from Orrville to compete at the state level since Katie Burnett in 1989. Abby’s ability to handle pressure in basketball, softball, and golf has been instrumental in her success.

Playing on an all-boys team during the fall season and competing from the men’s tees only strengthened Abby’s skills. “What some believed to be her weakness turned into her strength,” remarks Coach Davis. “Playing from the red tees now feels effortless to her. She has complete faith in her swing and knows her distances well.”

This weekend, Abby Ankenman will finally have the chance to compete against the best golfers in the state. Her athletic background and unwavering determination have led her to this moment. The journey may have been long, but it’s safe to say that Abby is ready for the challenge.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Girls Golf: Orrville’s Ankenman to compete in Div. II state tourney