Serena Sepersky, a 9th grade student in Springs’ KEYS program, is an accomplished golfer. She plays for three major golf leagues: Valley Junior Golf Association (VJGA), Future Champions Golf and SCPGA Jr. Toyota Tour Cup. The Toyota Tour Cup is invitational and comprises only the top junior golfers in the world.
She is the VJGA player of the year, has a handicap of 0.7, and at age 13 drives as far as adult players in the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Her swing speed is 102 miles per hour, and she plays on 6,100-yard golf courses. It’s a challenging sport, but she loves it. She said, “Golf teaches a person about life! You have good days, you have bad days, and every time you play you have to keep in control of your emotions. It is a time consuming (and expensive) sport, but once you’re in you get hooked.”
Serena practices six days a week, and also goes to the gym three days a week to work out and stretch. Once a week she has a golf lesson.
It takes up much of her time, as a round of golf can take her up to five hours, but practice is essential. She said, “I notice a difference in my playing when I haven’t practiced even for two days.”
Working out is important, too. She continued, “It is a must to prevent injury and build strength.”
Tournaments take up most of her weekends. She is required to walk all 18 holes, without stopping, regardless of the weather. Despite the difficulty, she has achieved much success. In her last two national tournaments she placed second, and was awarded an exemption to the Toyota Tour Cup for 2016 (“Which is huge,” she said.)
Because she can drive the ball a long distance, she plays in the 15-18 year old group. In this age group, awards she’s received include: Most Improved, Player of the Year (3 times in a row) and the Sydney Michaels Award for having a low golf score. Twice in the past year she’s made holes-in-one, and twice she’s eagled (two under par) on holes of more than 500 yards.
Her major upcoming tournaments include The Western State Jr. Players Cup February 15-18 and the Memorial Day Championship at PGA West in May. She loves tournaments, she said: “I meet lots of wonderful people and I make new friends all the time. I also get to play on some amazing golf courses.”
Serena began playing golf at age 10. Her goal is to play for a university Division 1 team, and then move on to professional golf.
She lives in Temecula and has been a Springs student since 4th grade. Springs appeals to her because it has given her a chance to work her own pace and take classes more advanced than her grade level. She added, “I love Springs. It has great kids, excellent teachers and fun field trips.”
In addition to golf, she plays piano. She practices daily, and has participated in recitals and charity events. She plays both jazz and classical; she’s currently working on Rachmaninov’s Bells of Moscow for a February competition.
