INTERVIEW WITH STACY LEWIS

Sport:  Golf
Year: Junior
Hometown: The Woodlands, TX
Major:  Finance and Accounting

How did you get involved in golf, and how old were you when you started?
I started playing golf at age 8.  My dad played so he would take me and my sisters out to play with him.

Why did you choose to come to the University of Arkansas?
I came on a visit and loved it here.  They were building great facilities at the time and had also just hired at great new coach.

What do you want to do when you graduate?
I hope to play golf professionally and see where that takes me in life.  If I don’t play golf, I hope to work on the business side of sports and athletics.

You do very well in your sport.  What motivates you to be excellent?
I’m motivated by just wanting to be better.  I know the more I practice the better player I will be when the pressure is on.

In your opinion, what does it take to be excellent at golf?
I believe it takes a lot of mental toughness and patience.  It doesn’t hurt to have some talent, but I believe golf is more of a mental sport.  It requires you to constantly be aware of what is going on around you.

How much do you practice?
 I practice almost everyday for at least a couple of hours.  I love to practice so I would practice all day if I could!

What do you think it takes to be excellent in your schoolwork?
I believe you have to stay organized and try to not get too far behind on your homework.  You have to learn to balance time for your sport and also for your schoolwork.

Have you ever had difficulties with a class?  If so, how did you get through it?
I’ve had several tough classes.  I had to study extra and also get help from tutors. 

What do you think it means to “go the extra mile”?
Going the extra mile to me is going beyond what is required to do.  If you want to get better at something you have to be willing to challenge yourself and push yourself beyond your comfort zone.

Why is that important?
I think athletes that go the extra mile are the ones that succeed.  If you only practice the minimum you will never get better, so being successful has a lot to do with how hard you are willing to push yourself.

What are the benefits of doing things with excellence?
You get to experience what it is like to win and accomplish goals.  You get the self satisfaction that you accomplished what you were trying to do.