H-F golfer has stepped up her game

Elizabeth Hassett never felt any pressure the last two years despite playing on a Class AA state title team and a team which finished second last year.

On a team which had Ashley Armstrong (Notre Dame) and Times Female Athlete of the Year Michelle Mayer (Illinois), Hassett said she just went about her business.

"I just went out and had fun," Hassett said. "We were so far ahead in our matches, that I knew my score wouldn't matter, so myself and Katelyn Hoag just went out and played with no pressure.

"This year, I wouldn't say it is pressure, but we are more serious. (We) are still having fun."

She and Hoag are the senior leaders of the Vikings. Coach Rick Pavinato said Hassett has improved each of her four years on varsity.

"Elizabeth has always put the team above her own self interest, Pavinato said. "She has been a great role model for the younger members, as well as the older members who have not been on varsity in the past.

"It truly has been a pleasure to coach such a dedicated young athlete. I hope she continues her success deep into the state series. "

Hassett knew this year would be different, so she adjusted.

"I worked a lot of my game over the summer because I knew I would be one Coach Pavinato would count on," she said. "I played a lot of tournaments in the IJGA (Illinois Junior Golf Association) and worked on my game."

She shot a 1-under 38 on Monday against Sandburg and she said she is getting ready for the upcoming Class AA tournament.

"It's Lincoln-Way East, Marian, Hinsdale Central and us, so it will be a tough regional," Hassett said. "Sure, there was a little more pressure this year, but I didn;t think about it as pressure. I thought about getting better and helping the team."

Helping out is nothing new for Hassett. She is in the National Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society and the National Arts Honor Society. She's also involved with her church, Infant Jesus of Prague.

"We have to do service and I love doing it," Hassett said. "In the arts honor society, we went out to senior citizens in nursing homes and showed them how to do arts and crafts. It is really a good feeling when you can show someone something and just help them.

"I have been doing art since the fourth grade and I just like drawing and making things."

She also was involved in organizing a retreat at her church for teens.

"We do retreats and help with P.A.D.S. (for homeless people)," Hassett said. "I think it is important to be part of and to take part in your community."

She may one day do so as she is thinking of becoming a teacher.

"It is just something I want to do," Hassett said. "You get to teach kids and help them become better."