Alex Kotridis’s driving force to his dedication on the green

The+2016+North+Penn+Golf+Team+poses+for+a+photo+during+their+season.+Alex+Kotridis%2C+bottom+row%2C+far+right%2C+expresses+that+his+passion+for+the+sport+allows+him+to+dedicate+much+of+his+time+to+improvement.

Submitted photo

The 2016 North Penn Golf Team poses for a photo during their season. Alex Kotridis, bottom row, far right, expresses that his passion for the sport allows him to dedicate much of his time to improvement.

Who would have thought that the shirtless student with his body painted at NPHS’s football games is more than just a passionate football fan? Not only does Alex Kotridis show off his North Penn pride in the stands, but also on the course being a hard-working member of the North Penn Golf team.

“I’ve always enjoyed watching golf, so I started playing when I was in middle school,” said Kotridis.

Not a sport that runs in the family, his interest in golf originated from the professionals. Since sophomore year, Kotridis has shortened his summer by two weeks two years in a row to try out for the sport that he illustrates passion for.

“With golf, most of the practice and preparation for the season comes on your own. Most of it comes individually through the spring and summer getting ready for the new season. It’s not exactly a team sport. Even when the scores come together for matches, it’s really about how each individual plays. This is why we usually work on individual improvement at practice,” explained Kotridis.

Requiring continual hard work and dedication, a lot more work goes into golf than one may think. Kotridis spends hours at the golf course over the summer working hard to improve for the upcoming season. Like any other sport, athletes encounter themselves in a rough patch, where the hard work that was put in, doesn’t pay off. Kotridis faced such difficulty during this golf season.

“I went from shooting mid 40’s at the beginning of the season to shooting more towards mid 50’s by the end of the season. Being on JV, points don’t exactly matter for the team, so the good that comes out of this is a learning experience and help for next year,” says Kotridis.

Kotridis not only gained knowledge regarding the sport, but also about himself. Despite the countless hours of practice on the course, Kotridis proved to struggle throughout the season, battling a mental game. However, the results have taught Kotridis the importance of determination and patience.

“I was disappointed about setting expectations for improvements that never came, but I remembered I still had my team to cover for me and support me,” added Kotridis.

Kotridis expressed that it was a less difficult to get through the year with such a great team by his side. This is why he made an effort to get a crowd out for their recent senior night, because there were some great seniors that helped him get through his slump. The team really values that every stroke counts, and he feels this truly brings the team together, creating a close bond among the teammates.

Outside of the team, Kotridis feels independent playing golf since most of his friends don’t play the sport; however, they play the important role of supporters. While he tries to encourage more people to play, Kotridis has discovered that golf is his passion. With the season coming to a close, it was not the ending Kotridis was hoping for, but he is not giving up.

“I wish it went a little bit longer. The coaches make practices fun, which makes the whole season fun. With everything I learned this year and the hard work I plan on putting in during the spring and summer, I am excited for next year and anticipate being on varsity,” explained Kotridis.