Hawks Freshman Looks for Lower Scores, Higher Numbers

Schachtel hopes her success can inspire young female golfers at Alcuin and beyond

Adysn Schachtel is the only member of the Alcuin School girls golf team, but she hopes it won’t be that way for long.

Despite being a freshman, she hopes to inspire classmates to become involved in the school’s upstart program. Without any teammates, Schachtel is required to compete at the TAPPS 1A state tournament this spring as an individual.

“I love being able to represent the school,” she said. “Sometimes it’s hard because I wish I had other girls on the team. I just have to rely on myself and have confidence in myself.”

I can’t think of a better young woman to represent the program.

Seth Sayler

She will make history as the first girl to compete at state for the Hawks, but Schachtel could be a title contender. At the Jesuit Invitational in February, she shot a round of 72, beating a field of more than 70 players from schools such as Ursuline, Hockaday, and Greenhill. Some of them have already committed to collegiate golf programs.

“She is laying the foundation for the girls golf program here at Alcuin,” said Alcuin golf coach Seth Sayler. “I can’t think of a better young woman to represent the program than her.”

Originally a gymnast, Schachtel began playing golf when she was 10, following in the footsteps of her brother Adyn and her father, Andrew. Since then, she’s been playing competitively on the American Junior Golf Association and National Junior Golf Association circuits.

“She’s learning as a player that it doesn’t matter how old you are,” Sayler said. “Ball-striking is ball-striking, and Adysn strikes the ball better than 90 percent of the players she’s up against. It’s all mental; an absolute belief that you can be the best.”

Schachtel has channeled her passion for the game into advocacy. For example, she has been invited to join the coaching staff of a May clinic for underprivileged children in Houston, hosted by golf legend Annika Sorenstam.

“I’ve always been interested in getting girls into golf,” Schachtel said. “I’m really glad I get this opportunity, and hopefully, I get invited to do more things like this.”

She also maintains an Instagram account called Girls for Golf, where Schachtel posts tips and amusing anecdotes from the course — hoping to inspire and motivate fellow teenage golfers.

“My family has always been about giving back to people under any circumstances,” Schachtel said. “We always try to see the good in people and care about people in general.”