Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Week
Name: Mia Kness
School: Peters Twp.
Class: Senior
Sport: Golf
Kness’ week: Kness shot a match-low 34 in her Peters Township’s 165-202 win over Moon Tuesday and did it again in a 181-188 victory over Sewickley Academy Friday. She shot 40 in the Indians’ 171-196 win over Mars Monday. In between those team competitions, Kness managed an event-best 68 at Section 2-AAA Individual Qualifier Thursday at Cedarbrook Golf Course’s Red Course to advance to the WPIAL Championships next week.
Business to take care of: A year ago, Kness finished in a three-way tie for fourth place in the state tournament with a two-round 155, fading on Day 2 after having the lead when the day began. As a sophomore, she finished third, and she was 13th as a freshman.
Entering this season, her goal was to return to Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York and win the Class AAA individual title.
“I’m really hoping to get back there and finish it off,” she said.
Kness said she should be of a sounder mind for her final attempt than she was a year ago. The Seton Hall commit made her decision in May, but at this time last year she was still well involved in the recruiting process, talking to a number of schools in the leadup to the state tournament, which caused her to place extra pressure on herself to perform.
“The pressure’s off,” she said. “I’m just going out there to play and win.”
Practice makes perfect (putting): After the way her junior season ended, Kness made a point to work on her putting last winter, knowing that the skill is essential to playing well. She said she would too often end up in three-putt situations after missing chances from inside 10 feet.
“I started there. Just hitting putt, after putt, after putt,” Kness said. “Really getting the feel.”
Beyond repetition, Kness made changes to her stroke that have worked. She also put a new grip on her putter.
All appears to have paid off. She has more confidence in her putting ability, thinking and saying to herself that she’ll make a shot when she steps up, rather than just hoping to send the ball somewhere close to the hole and two-putt, like she used to do.
Part of a team: Though golf is an individual sport, Kness competes as part of a traditionally strong Indians team that has a good bit of collective success.
“We’re like a family, honestly,” Kness said of the relationship between team members, including those on the boys’ team.
In 2015, the PT girls team was WPIAL runner-up to eventual state champios North Allegheny. The Indians have placed third at states each of the past two seasons. Currently, The PT is 6-0 in section and 12-2 overall.
We’re not expected to go out and win every time, but we want to win. We love going to play. It’s just fun,” Kness said. “We’re doing it for us.”
Compiled by Jasper Wilson