Q&A With Haley Van Es
1/31/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
Q&A with Haley Van Es
1. How did you get involved in the game of golf?
My dad and my brother Colin got me started in the game of golf. My brother has been playing since he was three years old, and him and my dad would always be gone on the weekends practicing or at lessons. My dad told me I should start coming on the weekends just for fun, and if I didn't like it then I could stop. I told him I would continue lessons if he got me pink grips, so he called a company and special ordered them for me. I've been playing ever since.
2. Why did you choose Seton Hall?
Seton Hall has a great reputation for academics as well as athletics. Not only do they have a good standing, but every one here is so supportive. Its nice to know that when I'm far from home there are always people here to support me. My biggest support here is my brother, and I got really lucky ending up at the same school as him.
3. What challenges have you had to overcome on the golf course?
Golf not only requires athletic ability and talent, but a game of emotional and mental stability as well. I think my biggest challenge over the years I have been playing golf is conquering the mental aspect of the game, which I have not yet mastered.
4. What was your favorite experience from the fall season here at Seton Hall?
I don't have just one favorite experience from the fall season. There were so many memorable experiences on and off the golf course. Bonding with all the girls and coaches was really special, but can't be defined with one moment or experience. A good support system is so important, and we all were quick to build one for each other on the team.
5. What is the greatest lesson that you have learned from the game of golf?
The greatest lesson I've learned from golf is patience. Not everything comes quickly, and usually the things that are worthwhile aren't easy to attain. Golf is one of the most frustrating games I know of, and gaining the ability to accept the fact that not every day is going to go how you planned is crucial to your success
6. What accomplishment in your golf career are you most proud of?
My greatest accomplishment in golf is was traveling to the state tournament three out of my four years. I'm hoping to top that somehow during my college career.
7. In your free time, what do you enjoy doing besides spending time at the golf course?
Outside of golf I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my dogs. I also like to watch movies and go to any kind of beach.
8. If you weren't on the golf team here, what other sports team would you most likely be interested in being on and why?
If I wasn't on the golf team, I would definitely be interested in being on the dance team. I danced for about twelve years before I got seriously into competitive golf, and have always wanted to go back to it.
9. What is your major and why did you choose to study that? Do you have educational aspirations beyond your undergraduate degree at Seton Hall?
Right now my major is communications, but anything could always change. Every thing is up in the air right now, and I am focusing on completing core class requirements. I plan to attend graduate school either here, in NYC, or somewhere closer to home.
10. What goals do you have both on the golf course and in the classroom during your career here at Seton Hall?
One goal is to keep my priorities straight. I want to make sure school comes first, golf comes second, and every thing else follows.
