Rome was not built in a day. Similarly, becoming a state champion didn’t happen overnight for Ashley Chang ‘26.
She began her sports journey in figure skating and started golf when she was eight at a summer camp. She’s kept up the sport for 10 years.
“My parents wanted me to spend more time outside,” Chang said.
She was in the Professional Golfers Junior League (PGA) until eighth grade and then joined the school team. After joining the team, she achieved high rankings in tournaments and awards.
Throughout the year, she trained to keep in shape for the season, including lifting weights, doing cardio, practicing on a simulator or working on her swing in front of a mirror when it’s cold outside. She credits a lot of her success from her practice.
“It doesn’t matter what sport you’re learning, if you just keep practicing and working at it bit by bit every day, you will succeed,” Chang said.
Coming into the golf season, Chang has changed her training regimen to prepare for competitions, spending her time on the range chipping and the rest of the time on putting. On the weekends, she usually takes a day to go play 18 holes or have a private lesson.
During the competition, Ashley believes focus is important.
“I try to do the best that I can in that moment and to stay in the present without thinking too much about what has already happened and what is to come,” Chang said.
Ria • Mar 30, 2026 at 7:55 pm
Love that it is centered around a student and her achievements! Would love to see more pieces like this!
Brunda • Mar 30, 2026 at 4:47 pm
This is such an inspiring story to hear!