Freshman Ethan Jepsen has made an immediate impact on the Shadow Ridge High School Varsity Golf Team. Despite being new to high school competition, Jepsen has quickly demonstrated focus, skill, and poise beyond his years.
“I was honestly a little nervous at first, being the youngest on the team,” Jepsen said. “But I just tried to stay calm and think about every shot instead of worrying about my age or the score.”
Jepsen’s dedication to golf shows in his consistent practice routine.
“I try to get to the course as much as I can,” he explained. “Sometimes that means hitting a few extra balls after practice or watching videos to see how I can improve my swing.”
He credits patience and mental focus as keys to his early success. “Golf is really a game of the mind, if you let one bad shot get to you, it can ruin the rest of the round. I just try to reset after each shot and focus on the next one,” said Jepsen.
Even in competitive situations, Jepsen emphasizes strategy over flash.
“I like to play smart, not just hard,” Jepsen said. “Sometimes that means laying up instead of going for a risky shot. It’s about making the best decision every time, not trying to impress anyone.”
Jepsen also enjoys the team aspect of golf, despite it often being seen as an individual sport.
Jepsen said, “I love being part of the team, even though we’re each playing our own game, it feels good to know your score helps the team, and cheering for each other really makes a difference.”
He’s focused on growth, both in the short and long term.
“Right now, my goal is to keep getting better each week,” Jepsen said. “Eventually, I’d love to play in college, but for now, I just want to help the team win and learn as much as I can.”
Jepsen’s early performances on varsity show that he’s more than just a promising freshman, he’s a student athlete whose dedication, mindset, and love of the game make him a key part of Shadow Ridge’s golf future.
“I just want to keep improving, enjoy every round, and see how far I can go,” Jepsen reminded. “Every time I step on the course, it’s a new chance to get better and help the team.”
