June 12, 2013
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Editor’s Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa’s Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide.
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Goal set. Goal accomplished.
On May 29, University of Iowa incoming women’s golf recruit Jessie Sindlinger fired a 65 at the Ames Golf and Country Club to win her fourth-straight individual state title, becoming the second player in state history to capture four-consecutive titles, and the first to do so in more than 50 years.
Sindlinger — who finished eight strokes ahead of the second-place finisher — led Charles City High School to its second state championship in the last three years. The Charles City, Iowa, native posted a 32 on the front nine, tallying five birdies and a bogie, and a 33 on the back with four birdies.
“It was a huge accomplishment,” said Sindlinger. “During my freshman year, I made that a goal… to be a four-time champion. It happened and was a great experience and an honor.”
After winning her first couple titles, she realized there was a good chance she could accomplish her goal.
“The fourth state title was special,” said Sindlinger. “After the first one as a freshman, I was not sure if I would have a chance.”
Sindlinger, who will be a freshman at Iowa in the fall, also led Charles City to a runner-up finish at state last year. She claimed individual conference and district titles as a freshman and junior, along with a district title and conference runner-up finish as a sophomore. The 2010 IWGA Junior Player of the Year qualified for the PGA Junior Championship in the summer of 2012.
Sindlinger, a National Honor Society member who holds a 3.98 grade-point average, led Team Iowa to the Four State Junior Girls Golf Championship in 2012, earning medalist honors. She was the only player to shoot under par and only the 10th native Iowan to medal at the event since 1969.
Sindlinger also lettered in volleyball and basketball, and led Charles City to a volleyball state championship as a senior. She was a two-time first team all-state selection in volleyball, earning first team honors as a senior.
“She understands how to win,” said UI head coach Megan Menzel. “She set this specific goal and this was the most challenging year for her knowing she wanted perfection and to make it 4-for-4. She worked really hard every day to accomplish this goal. She has an amazing work ethic; when she puts her mind to something, it is going to get done.
“Jessie will bring that work ethic and ability to focus to our team and elevate us. We are really looking forward to her joining our team.”
The wait is almost over.
“After state golf, it finally hit me that the fall is almost here,” said Sindlinger. “I am getting really excited.
“They (head coach Megan Menzel and assistant coach Laura Cilek) are really fun and great coaches,” said Sindlinger. “They are easy to talk to. The team is great as well. It is going to be a lot of fun with them and everyone in the program.”
Sindlinger is the daughter of Julie and Mark Sindlinger. Her father lettered in football (1983-86) and wrestling (1985-88) at Iowa, and was the starting center for the 1985 Big Ten championship and Rose Bowl football team and was also a two-time Big Ten champion and All-American in wrestling.
Now, it is Jessie’s turn to don the black and gold.
“My dad would always bring us to football games, ever since I was really little,” she said. “I have always loved the Hawkeyes, and always wanted to come here to the University of Iowa.”