Chase Kacher has been playing golf since he was three years old, and since day one he has found it to be an escape from the everyday stressors. He loves being out on the course, meeting new people, and tweaking his game to perfection. A benefit of this time consuming activity is the social connections he has made.
“I’ve gotten to know people from all over the country and across a great variety of age ranges,” Kacher said.
He finds great value in the longstanding relationships he has created with fellow golfers and coaches.
“My Coach Phil has been really influential in my life and is always supporting and helping me out on and off of the course,” Kacher said. “He has done more for me than most people.”
He has also found golf to be not only a practice of the sport, but of everyday life skills.
“Golfing has taught me a lot of social skills, especially with talking to people who are much older than me,” Kacher said.
He will continue playing golf for the University of Denver next year.
“I’m super excited about having the opportunity to improve my skills and meet new people who share my passions and lifestyle,” Kacher said.
Brooke Hudacek has been swimming competitively since her days on the five-and-under Polliwog swim team.
“It’s a very sentimental sport for me because I have been swimming since I was so young and it’s been great to grow up with some of my coaches and teammates and have them alongside me throughout my life,” Hudacek said. Along with its sentimental value, swimming has been a great tool for learning life skills.
“It’s rewarding when you finish a tough workout which has instilled perseverance in me,” Hudacek said. “The sport has also taught me a lot of discipline because it’s not always easy to get yourself to just keep swimming during practice.” Her years in the pool have given her memories and relationships that she will cherish.
“The fact that even though it’s not a team sport, the team is still so connected is super special,” Hudacek said.
From a UC Shark to a Paly senior, Hudacek is now stepping off of the pool deck and diving into the next chapter of her life.
Alessandra Chandler has been playing soccer since first grade, and has remained passionate about the sport since her first day on the field. Her love for the sport blossomed from being an active fan of the women’s national team and the Stanford women’s soccer team. She found watching the games throughout her childhood to be a big source of inspiration and she looked up to the players. Chandler was able to make close relationships and find joy in her time on the field.
“I’ve found soccer to be a great [sense of] community and a great way to workout and have fun,” Chandler said.
She does not plan to continue playing in college, but Chandler is grateful for the experiences soccer has given her over the years.
“I think playing since childhood has led me to have a very strong connection and passion for the sport,” Chandler said.
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