Juniors Kevin Hart and Victoria Pezzuolo met with senior golfer Connor White to reflect on his time at Westminster.
 
What has been your favorite golf memory as a Westminster Titan?
I'd probably say my favorite golf memory at Westminster so far has been getting our team win my sophomore year (against Mount Aloysius on Sept. 18). That was probably the most enjoyable and most rewarding, really just to get finally one team win, get an individual win, and finally walk away with the trophy, so it was really nice.
 
What is the greatest challenge you've faced golfing at Westminster?
Probably the hardest thing and biggest challenge that has come from golf at Westminster would have to be just getting that first win. Getting over that first hump really was a long time coming and something we really struggled with early on when I first arrived at Westminster. Getting everyone to individually play well and to also contribute to the team was definitely a challenge, but once we got that first one, our team definitely started to improve and comeback from that, so it was really great.
 
Walk us through your hole-in-one last year in Meadville (on September 11 at the Allegheny College Invitational).
I got my first hole-in-one last year at the country club in Meadville. It was hole number eight, which was 197 yards. There were a couple coaches there and the rest of the opponents and I hit one of the purest shots I ever hit. I saw it going towards the hole and I didn't see what happened after. As we approached the green I didn't see the ball, I thought I hit it long so I walked past and never saw it. The opponent actually came over to me and said, 'yeah that's in the hole,' and I thought he was joking with me so I just brushed it off, and he said, 'no it's literally in the hole.'  I walked over and there it was. I was pretty shocked at first. I really didn't know how to react because I always thought if I got one, I would actually see the ball go in the hole, so I kind of just got it out of the hole and walked to the side and had a moment with myself.  It was just such a great feeling to get a hole-in-one and to get one in the tournament was just really special for me.
 
What advice would you give to a first-year student-athlete here?
I'd probably say for first-years, try to focus more on your academics. I know when I first arrived on campus I was so excited and so anxious to go out and play, whatever sport that may be, so focus on the academics first. Make sure your time management skills are in check, then move on to how you can improve both school and whatever sport you play.
 
What about Westminster made you stay all four years?
The reason I wanted to stay at Westminster this long and really become a Westminster family member was probably my coach, Matt Torrence '93. I wasn't sure if I was going to stay here all four years, but having a coach that truly cares about you as an individual, truly cares about your success at Westminster both academically and athletically, really made me realize that no matter where I go, I'm not going to find a coach like that.  Really something that I appreciate a lot at Westminster is coach Torrence.
 
What is the best lesson or skill that you've learned as a student-athlete?
Probably the best lesson I've had from being a student athlete is time management.  It's something that I struggled with early on, and once I got a hold of it, it really allowed me to be more productive and be more successful in whatever I do, so that's definitely really important for me.
 
What are your individual goals and what are the team goals this season?
I'd say our team goals for this season would have to be just getting another win. It's something that hasn't happened since my sophomore year, and it's something that I've been really hungry for and I know the rest of the guys on the team have been as well. For individual, I'd say just get a win as well, whether that be on a team or in individuals, it's something that I'm ready for and I think that we can really do.
 
What are your plans after college?
I'd say my plans after college would have to be trying to get a job in sales, because that will allow me to meet with businessmen that also like to golf. That's something that I could really see myself doing. Communicating with people is what I feel most comfortable with, so something along those lines. I would also like to start my own business at some point, whenever that may be. I am just kind of riding out my senior year and seeing what happens.
 
Do you plan on continuing to stay involved with golf after college? If so, how?
The ways I plan to stay involved with golf after college would maybe be an assistant coach for a couple tournaments a year. That's something that I've definitely wanted to do. Hopefully I can earn some money and hopefully contribute to the boosting of the golf team because I'd really like to see some more success here. And just staying in touch with coach Matt Torrence, I'm sure we're going to have plenty of rounds with him in the future, but really just trying to stay in touch with everyone and contribute to the team however I can.