Pittsburg High School senior Alyssa Cosens has qualified for SEK state in golf. This is the third year in a row that Cosens has achieved this qualification. 

“Making it to state this year felt super rewarding,” Cosens said. “Since it’s my senior year, it means a lot to be able to compete at state for the third year in a row.”

PHS girls and boys’ golf is led by Anatomy and Physiology and Honors Biology teacher Mary Packard. Packard has been coaching girls’ golf since the fall of 2015.

“It’s quite an accomplishment for anyone to qualify for state and she has really earned it,” Packard said. “It’s very exciting for her and her parents. It’s a proud moment with family and teammates.”

Cosens has been a part of golf since her freshman year at PHS.

“My favorite part of golf is practicing with my team,” Cosens said. “The coaches are always helpful and make practice fun.”

State for girls golf is taking place on October 21, 2024 in Salina, Kansas.

“You are at the tournament to qualify for day 2 of the competition and hopefully a medal,” Packard said. “It’s a little nerve-racking teeing off hole one, the anticipation of it all, but Alyssa will be ready and has matured a great deal since her first trip to state.”

Previously in the 2023 season, PHS girls golf qualified for state as a team.

“My favorite memory from golf was my junior year when we made state as a team,” Cosens said. “It was exciting seeing all of my teammates perform their best.”

According to Packard the golfers are playing their best golf this time of year, therefore coaching becomes more about course management and strategy than technical aspects of the game. 

“Alyssa is a lot more confident about playing in the regional tournament,” Packard said. “She has been putting in extra time on the golf course and has been working on her game..”

According to Cosens, although she has previously been to State for golf, this year is different.

“Making it to state this year meant a lot to me,” Cosens said. “It’s my last year competing and I wanted to have a good finish.”