Destined to SOAR.
This interview series is aimed at celebrating, recognising and promoting the incredible talent and ferocious courage of our young women of tomorrow.
Let's recognise the magnificent effort of girls' in sport across all codes!
Today our interview is with Natascha Tennent, Soar Active had the privilege to catch up with Natascha and chat about her love for Golf.
1. Natascha, tell us about your early life?
Natascha: I am 15 years old and live in Brisbane, Queensland with my 12-year-old sister, mum and stepdad. I also have a stepsister and brother. When I was 4 years old my Dad passed away and then when I was seven, I was diagnosed with Autism and Ligamentous Laxity which means my tendons and muscles can over-extend.
I took up golf when I was 8 years old and I qualified to represent Australia at the 2023 World Summer Games for Special Olympics in golf which will be held in Berlin, Germany in June/July.
2. So how did you discover Golf?
Natascha: I wasn't really into team sports and my step-dad suggested I try golf and my mum wanted me to try tennis. As soon as I hit my first golf ball, even though it didn't go very far I was hooked.
3. What was your next step?
Natascha: Once I decided that golf was what I wanted to do I started training 3 times a week and played junior golf competitions on weekends. I started with 9 holes and then progressed to 18 holes just over a year ago. I also joined the Special Olympics and started competing in those competitions as well which has enabled me to progress playing in All Abilities Competitions which are World Ranking.
4. How do you balance your competitive training and managing school?
Natascha: I have to be very structured when it comes to balancing school and training as golf does take up a lot of my time. I have a visual calendar that I use and write everything on it from assessments, exams to when I will be playing competitions. I find it helps me structure and keep focused better when I know what is coming up. I like to plan ahead.
5. What do you do in your downtime?
Natascha: Catching up with friends and reading but when I'm stressed there is nothing better than going to a driving range and hitting golf balls to help me regain focus.
6. What makes you feel happy, brave, and strong?
Natascha: Being outside walking around a golf course is definitely my happy place. It's where I relax. Playing golf has also made me physically and mentally stronger as I have had to overcome challenges to get to where I am today.
7. Tell us about a special moment in the last year?
Natascha: I have had a few in the last year which I'm very proud of. I won gold playing in the Nationals Games for Special Olympics in Tasmania which qualified me to represent Australia next year. I also played in two World Ranking for Disability in Golf events in Brisbane and South Australia winning nett score in both. That placed me as Australia's No.1 female disability golfer and also 2nd female disability golfer in the World for nett.
8. What's your favourite attribute about yourself?
Natascha: I always try my best and no matter how hard something may be, I don't give up.
9. What would you say to other young females about following their dreams?
Natascha: Follow your dreams even when you think it is just too hard. If you believe in something so strongly, don't give up.
10. What has Golf taught you about life?
Natascha: Golf has taught me resilience and to accept the uncontrollable as some days the trees just aren't your friends, or your putts just don't go in. It has also taught me to control my emotions and hold my focus. I struggle with focus as there can be so many things going on and with autism this can be very distracting, but golf has taught me to keep myself centered. Lastly, it has taught me to problem solve which I use in everyday life.
Follow her journey on IG
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Know another inspiring young teen or want to be featured?
Email us at hq@soaractive.com with your story.
