Photo courtesy of Anna Cafferty.
From the first tee to the final putt, Kathryn Krueger says she entered her freshman season prepared to compete rather than adjust.
Hastings High School freshman Kathryn Krueger finished 20th overall and emerged as the top-placing freshman at the NSAA State Golf Championship on October 14th.
Krueger competed in the class B individual state championships as the only girl from Hastings High to make it. Krueger posted a total score of 180 (+36), carding an 89 in round one and a 91 in round two.
“I knew I belonged there,” Krueger said. “Once I qualified for state, my goal wasn’t just to experience it; it was to play well and see where I stacked up.”
Rather than being overwhelmed by the pressure of state, Krueger embraced the challenge. She noted competing on a bigger stage sharpened her focus and reinforced the discipline she built throughout the season.
“At that level, every shot matters,” Krueger said. “I stayed locked in and trusted my preparation. I didn’t feel out of place — I felt ready.”
Krueger said consistency was her focus across both rounds. While conditions and nerves tested the field, Krueger remained steady, relying on course management and mental toughness to stay competitive.
“I’ve learned that confidence isn’t about forcing shots,” Krueger said. “It’s about making smart decisions and committing fully to them.”
Earlier this season Krueger shot an 81 in a single round, which gave her the confidence she needed for the rest of the season. She said this performance solidified her belief in her ability to play at this level.
“When I’m playing my best [in] golf, I expect good scores,” Krueger said. “That 81 showed me what I’m capable of, and it raised the standard for myself.”
Throughout the season, she competed against older players, which influenced her to approach competition with a different mindset.
“Playing with upperclassmen made me better,” Krueger said. “You see how serious they are, and it motivates you to raise your own level.”
Towards the end of the season, Krueger’s teammates started looking towards her more often for advice because of her performance.
“As a freshman, it made me feel like more of a leader and gave me confidence in myself,” Krueger said.
Krueger said she is using this season as a base she can build off of in coming years. Rather than looking back at her accomplishments, she is focused on what comes next.
“I don’t see this season as a peak,” Krueger said. “I see it as a starting point.”
With a top-20 finish at state as a freshman, Krueger has set expectations not just for herself, but for the future of Hastings golf. For Krueger, age is not a limitation, only preparation and belief.
“I want to keep moving up,” Krueger said. “There’s a lot more I want to accomplish.”
