THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 23, 1995 TAG: 9511190047
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 26 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, SUN SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
THERE ARE A LOT of things Katie Soule should be worrying about as a senior in high school: keeping her near-perfect grade point average, choosing a good college and improving her golf game.
Problem is, the 17-year-old Franklin High student doesn't have time to be worried. She's too busy.
Soule is vice president of the Beta Club, which requires a minimum GPA of 3.5; a member of Tri-Hi-Y, a school service organization; participates in the YMCA's Leaders Club; and plays on the Broncos golf team. Last week, after a few minutes rest following golf season, Soule began practice with the Franklin volleyball team.
``I have no idea how I do it,'' said Soule, between homework and a round of golf at Cypress Cove Golf Course in Franklin. ``Schoolwork is the most important, but you've got to want to make time to do all those things. You've got to be organized. It's hard.''
Soule added that to balance everything it took a little adjusting - something she grew familiar with during her freshman year at Franklin when she became the Broncos' first female golfer.
``It was pretty scary,'' Soule said of her first year of high school golf. ``I never talked to anyone from other teams. They weren't used to seeing girls.''
Neither was Franklin coach Tom Ritter.
``I was a little bit taken back,'' he said. ``I guess it wasn't anything too radical. It didn't take me long to be impressed by her. She's quite a golfer.''
Especially now, after four years of experience under her belt. Soule played mainly at No. 3 for a Broncos team that finished eight strokes shy of making the regional tournament. She also played several times at No. 2 and once at No. 4.
``(My approach shots) have gotten longer and I've gotten stronger,'' said Soule, who has to tee off with the males. ``Playing with guys, I know I can't compete distance-wise. I'm only 5-2 and I can't hit the ball 200 yards. I have to focus on everything being perfect - chips, drives and putting. Everything has to be fine-tuned.''
She's also become a pioneer of sorts in the Bay Rivers, offering advice to another female golfer who began this year at Southampton, Stephanie Walker.
``I talked to her at the first match because I knew she was nervous,'' said Soule, who began golfing as a six-year-old with her mother. ``The first match is always bad so I guess I could answer her questions. I just told her it was no big deal, the guys aren't mean or anything.''
Next year, Soule will start adjusting all over again in college. She plans to attend either Longwood or Campbell.
``I'll have to work on my short game, you never get that perfect,'' said Soule. ``I've got to work on keeping my temper. If I'm in a tournament or golf match I have pretty good composure, but when I'm out here with my mom I'm more comfortable so I guess I can let it go. You can't show your emotions. Golf is mental, a lot of it's in your head.''
Soule is used to having things in her head. She probably doesn't have time to write them down. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Franklin High senior Katie Soule says when playing golf she focuses
``on everything being perfect - chips, drives and putting.''
by CNB