Sports Spotlight: Winter Park's Emily McLatchey | Observer Preps

A star sophomore on the Winter Park girls golf team, Emily McLatchey has helped lead the Wildcats to a solid 7-2 record around the halfway point of the season. The sophomore hopes to golf at the collegiate level — and possibly beyond.

When did you first start playing golf?

I first started playing around the course when I was about 7, but I started playing more competitively when I was about 12. My dad and my uncle both play, so I would go play with them sometimes. I really loved it, so I kept playing.

What has been your favorite part about playing golf at Winter Park?

It’s very different than I thought it would be. It’s very social, and I like that, because golf has always been very individual for me. Playing with other teammates has been a lot of fun, because I’ve made a lot of really close friends.

Is there one highlight from your time at Winter Park that stands out?

I remember at districts last year, I was really sick, and I went out and played fine and we ended up winning, which was really fun. Then in regionals, I remember I played fine. … I was disappointed, because I didn’t think I was going to make it to states, and then my coach comes running up and she is like, “We made it to states! We came in second!”

What would you say is the strongest aspect of your game?

I’d like to say my short game definitely saves me a lot. Normally if I have a wedge in my hand, I can get it pretty close, and when my putting is on, I make a lot of putts.

Is golf something you’d like to do after your time at Winter Park?

I’d love to play in college — it’s always been a goal of mine. Right now, we are starting to look more into talking with multiple colleges. I don’t know how far I’ll go after that — I mean I’d love to keep playing forever — but I’m just going to keep playing until someone says I can’t.

What is the best advice you’ve been given by coach Joe DiFrancesco?

He tells us to just have a lot of fun and to keep a positive attitude — but to keep trying the whole time. It’s something that I kind of struggle with, because I can get down on myself, but he is really supportive, and he has been a good coach to us this season.

Are you a cat or dog person?

I’m more of a dog person. I have a cat and a dog, but I love my dog (Ruby). She is always so happy to see me, and dogs are just so friendly, and they’re fun. They’re like people in a way. And my cat doesn’t really like me that much.

What is your favorite meal after finishing a round of golf?

I like pizza, I guess? I’m generally open to anything, but when I go home to that, that’s always fun.