Senior Spotlight: Golf

In recognition of our incredible spring senior athletes, GSB will be providing spotlights on the members of the Class of 2020. Our next edition focuses on the golf program, which features Ellie Gustafson ’20, Drew Kramer ’20, Nick Policano ’20, and Evan Varma ‘20 with comments from Head Coach Mike Cascini. Thank you, Knights, for all you did during for Gill during your time here! Coach Cascini: “When I think back to the past three years with my seniors, the first thing that comes to mind is how much of a positive impact they have had on our program. They brought a new level of talent to our team and a confident, winning attitude that helped us tremendously. Memorable events include our first trip to a sectional tournament since 2013, a second place finish at a county tournament, a nearly undefeated season, and a number of wins over top teams in the state. It has been a pleasure to both coach and teach this group, and I thank them for playing an integral role in putting GSB on the map in New Jersey high school golf.” NameEllie Gustafson Why Do You Love Playing Golf?I love playing golf because of the relationships it can form/strengthen with my friends and family. What Was the Greatest Lesson You Learned During Your Time Competing for GSB Athletics?The greatest lesson I learned playing golf for GSB was patience. This is something that is crucial for golf, which I learned how to become better. With all the different players and play styles you come across, you need to be patient with everyone and with yourself as well. Favorite Memory of Competing as a Knight?The spring golf trips to IMG Academy are some of my favorite memories of high school in general, but those have too many memories to list here! One of my favorite memories of competing as a GSB Knight was a sophomore year (2018) match played against Princeton Day School with one of my best friends Sydney Lapper ‘21. We ended up becoming new friends with the girls we competed against. Another was the 2018 practice tournament that Sophie Chang ‘21, Sydney and I played in with Mr. Cascini to get a feel for one of the courses we would later play in a tournament. We got to leave school early and played until sunset at the course. NameDrew Kramer Why Do You Love Playing Golf?I grew up playing golf all the time with my family, and since then it has always stuck. What Was the Greatest Lesson You Learned During Your Time Competing for GSB Athletics?The greatest lesson I gained from GSB athletics was the ability to work with other people. Playing three sports all-year round helped me create friendships with players and coaches that I will keep forever. Favorite Memory of Competing as a Knight?My favorite memory as a Knight was winning the state championship for soccer my senior year, which completed all our goals as a team. NameNick Policano Why Do You Love Playing Golf?I love golf because I have been playing since I was two, and it has always been a part of me. What Was the Greatest Lesson You Learned During Your Time Competing for GSB Athletics?I learned so many life lessons from this sport that I can use off the golf course, such as perseverance. The hardest part of golf is the mental game, and when things go bad, to make it into a better situation. Favorite Memory of Competing as a Knight?When the team finished second in the county tournament. All four of us shot 80 or below and was our best tournament finish in school history. NameEvan Varma Why Do You Love Playing Golf?The reason I love playing golf is because I have been playing ever since I was a kid. My first memories of playing were in my backyard with my dad and eventually regularly when we went on vacation. When I am on the golf course, it is a time to chill and have fun while bonding with my father. What Was the Greatest Lesson You Learned During Your Time Competing for GSB Athletics?The greatest lesson I learned from Gill golf is that of patience. When I was a freshman, I would get eager and that would be the downfall of my round. As I grew as a golfer, I realized that if you are patient, the end result will always be better. Favorite Memory of Competing as a Knight?My favorite memory from Gill golf was sophomore year. Coming off a sub-.500 season my freshman year, no one would have believed the success we would have the next season. The memory that I will remember most is checking NJ.com one day and seeing Gill golf ranked as a Top-10 team in the state, which was a first in Gill golf history.