As a freshman, Faith Koranda walked into not only a new school, but also into a new sport.
Three years, three coaches, and lots of hard work later, she’s a state medalist.
Coming into Westview, Koranda had been playing volleyball. When she decided volleyball was no longer for her, she decided to join the golf team. Westview math teacher Robert Hjelle was the coach at the time.
After starting golf, she quickly got involved with private lessons. She recalled how her parents helped her in this regard.
“They’ve done a lot for me in that way by researching what programs to get into,” Koranda said.
Ever since then, Koranda has continued to improve. Even through coaching changes, Koranda continued to show up every day and work toward her goals.
“Faith is really determined to be good, she has goals that she wants to reach,” girls’ golf head coach Kevin Modrell said.
All her dedication helped her get to state both her junior and senior year.
The first year, Faith went into Grand Island and placed 43rd, shooting 96 on the first day and 100 on the second day.
The next year she set her sights even higher.
“I just really wanted to go into districts playing my best, knowing the weather was not going to be how it was all season,” Koranda said.
At districts, Faith shot an 88, automatically qualifying for state. She was the only OPS student to qualify for state.
At state she shot an 86 on the first day, then a career best 77 on the second day, having her tie for 14th and earning the first state golf medal of any Westview student.
“I knew that golf was a very individual sport, and I didn’t really need anyone’s help but myself,” Koranda said.
With all her success, Faith has also committed to play golf at the next level. She recently committed to Iowa Western Community College.
“I would like to hopefully, after one or two years, transfer to a bigger D2 or D1 college to play golf,” Koranda said.
