Sydney Stenson, Women's Golf

For sophomore golfer Sydney Stenson, the game of golf is rooted in family, shaped by discipline, and driven by something greater than individual performance.

A Pasco, Washington native, Stenson was first introduced to the sport through a simple but meaningful family tradition. Each summer, her grandfather gathered all of his grandchildren and enrolled them in a local golf camp, creating both opportunity and connection.

“We did it every summer for about four or five years,” Stenson said. “It was something that brought all of us together.”

Those early mornings and long walks to the course helped lay the foundation for her future in golf. Though she stepped away from the sport for a time to focus on soccer, Stenson found her way back during her freshman year of high school. Faced with a competitive soccer program and a new opportunity in golf, she made a decision that would shape her path.

“I knew I’d have a better chance to play and grow in golf,” she said. “And it just took off from there.”

Now competing for the Sasquatch, Stenson has developed into a key contributor, balancing the demands of a year-round sport with the responsibilities of the classroom. Her days are structured and demanding, often starting with classes before transitioning into long hours on the course.

“Practice or qualifying can go from one in the afternoon until six or even seven,” she said. “Then it’s going home, eating dinner, and finishing homework.”

That routine has strengthened more than just her game. It has helped shape her time management, discipline, and ability to stay focused under pressure.

“Being a student-athlete has really taught me how to be intentional with my time,” Stenson said. “You have to stay organized and stay on top of everything.”

Her hard work paid off in a major way during her freshman season, when she earned All-Tournament Team honors at the NWAC Championship with a top-five finish. It was a moment that validated the countless hours she had put into her development.

“That felt really rewarding,” she said. “It showed that all the work I put in was worth it.”

Off the course, Stenson draws inspiration from her older sister, a standout collegiate softball player who earned All-American honors. Watching her sister’s dedication and success has reinforced the value of consistency and effort.

“She’s worked so hard, and you can see how it’s paid off,” Stenson said. “It shows that if you put in the work, you’ll get results.”

As she enters the final stretch of her time at Spokane, Stenson’s goals are both individual and team-oriented. She is focused on continuing to refine her mechanics while helping lead the Sasquatch toward an NWAC Championship.

But beyond scores and standings, her mindset has evolved in a way that defines her approach to the game.

“One of the biggest things for me is remembering that I’m playing for the team,” she said. “It takes pressure off and helps me stay focused on something bigger than just myself.”

That perspective, combined with her steady work ethic and grounded mentality, has become a defining part of who she is as a student-athlete.

For Sydney Stenson, success is not just about the next shot. It is about growth, connection, and embracing the journey alongside her team every step of the way.