Playing a high school sport for the first time can be stressful and nerve wracking, especially for varsity athletes. For freshman golfer Alex Swayne, this is not the case.

Just 14 years old, Swayne has been playing golf for four years and is the Lady Knights’ top varsity golfer. She has already received countless awards since starting her competitive career.

Most recently, she received Tournament Medalist honors after shooting a 77 during the Eastern Cincinnati Conference tournament on Sept. 15 at Belwood Country Club.

This achievement won her the JJHuddle & Bucknuts Ohio HS Girls Golf Award; a weekly fan-generated contest in which outstanding players are nominated and voted on by coaches and fellow players. Swayne also earned a spot in Districts this past Monday when she shot a 77 at Walden Ponds Golf Course.

However, her greatest achievement is yet to come.

After advancing through all three stages of the subregional Drive, Chip, and Putt championship, Swayne will now travel to Augusta, GA, where the Masters are played, to compete in the finals of the championship.

This contest tests young players on their putting (stage one), chipping (stage two), and driving (stage three) abilities. Players must place within the top three in each stage to advance.

Her athleticism and skill runs in the family. Chuck Swayne, Alex’s dad and a former professional tennis player, shares a love for golf. In fact, her dad was the one who got her into playing.

“Alex played tennis first then we moved to the golf course… she enjoyed golf more,” Swayne said.

Since that move, Swayne has maintained her passion for golf.

“I started playing when I was eleven, and since then I have gotten 25 medals and awards for the tournaments and contests I’ve played in,” Swayne said.

Swayne’s coach, Kathy Abrell, is among the plethora of people amazed by her skills.

“None of Kings best golfers were as successful as a freshmen as Alex is,” Abrell said.

Not only is her coach impressed by her skill, but also by her dedication and maturity.

“Alex loves to practice! Her attention to detail with golf is exceptional. She understands course management better than most past golfers at Kings,” Abrell said.

Abrell is hoping that Swayne’s skill is just what the team needs to take it to the top.

“I would like to see Alex continue to improve her overall game and to mentor other players to help Kings grow as a team,” said Abrell.

As for Swayne’s vision for her future, she is setting her sights big.

“I hope to become pro one day and run a golf course or just play as a pro,” Swayne said.