Kane County Chronicle Athlete of Week: Katharine Marshall, Kaneland, golf, junior

Name: Katharine Marshall

School: Kaneland

Sport: Golf, junior

Why she was selected: Marshall tied for 14th at the Class 2A state meet after rounds of 76 and 74 over two days. Marshall was voted the Kane County Chronicle Athlete of Week by readers. Chronicle sports reporter Jacob Bartelson caught up with Marshall to discuss her successful tournament and more. Below is an edited transcript, presented by Don McCue Chevrolet in St. Charles.

Bartelson: For you, when you reflect back on the state tournament, what was the most rewarding aspect?

Marshall: I played pretty well at state, so that was rewarding. I [was] just happy to see my friends that I play a lot of summer golf tournaments with. Actually, [other candidates] who were nominated [for Athlete of the Week] Reese Clark and Catie Nekola, I’m pretty good friends with, so I got to see them at state and that was rewarding to see other people that I hadn’t seen in awhile.

Bartelson: Was that the first time you played that particular course, unless it was for an Illinois Junior Golf Association event, right?

Marshall: I actually played [in one tournament before]. I played in it two years ago, so I had known the course before.

Bartelson: That all being said, what was the most challenging part of the course for you?

Marshall: It was definitely longer than all the courses I’ve played in the matches during the season, which definitely threw me through a loop. But I came back so it was all good.

Bartelson: Did you get a chance to catch up with some of those friends you talked about

Marshall: Yeah, the practice round was really fun because I actually played with both [Nekola and Clark], so we got to talk and it was a lot of fun. I’m glad I made it to state. It was exciting.

Bartelson: Obviously, at that level, you’re playing with the best. How much of that factor motivated you to play your best? How does that elevate you?

Marshall: Just being at state, [it reinforced] this is what I want to do. I [was] looking at the other people playing and obviously I want to compete with them. The whole thing – going up, staying at the hotel – it’s super fun.