OUTSTANDING PLAYER: GIRLS GOLF

WHY SHE WON:

Recognized for the second consecutive year as the All-Arkansas Preps Girls Golf Player of the Year, Casey Ott is a natural winner, both on and off the golf course. Ranked in the top 3 percent of Conway High School’s junior class with a 4.2 grade-point average, this Lady Wampus Cat swept the Girls High School Overall State Championship for the second year in a row, shooting a tournament-record score of two under 70 with six birdies, and besting the score of the Boys Overall Champion. In addition, Ott medalled at the Class 7A-Central State Tournament and finished second in the Class 7A State Tournament. “Casey is a tremendous young lady, and her ability, accomplishments and many records speak for themselves. She continues to be an excellent student-athlete and a great role model for our entire school and community,” said Janet Taylor, assistant athletic director and head golf coach at Conway High School. Ott was initially introduced to the “game of kings” at age 4, when her father, Tray Ott, started taking her to First Tee of Central Arkansas. “When I first started golf, it was fun and was a challenge. It was also bonding time with my dad,” Casey said. Since that early beginning, Casey has been a rising star in junior golf. She is nationally ranked among the top 50 in the 2018 recruiting class by the American Junior Golf Association and is a two-time Wendy’s Player of the Year. She now volunteers at First Tee, instilling a love for the game in a new generation. “We knew early on that Casey was blessed with a gift to play golf. We are most proud that she has worked hard to fulfill her potential,” Tray said. Casey’s mother, Deanna Ott, marvels at her daughter’s level of commitment to both golf and school. “She is a planner and sits down once a week and schedules what days she is going to practice, and on which parts of her game, … [as well as] her homework and other activities. It is a big commitment for a 16-year-old and requires organization and a strong work ethic,” Deanna said. Casey has committed to play golf for the University of Kentucky as part of the 2018 freshman class. “I’m going from a Wampus Cat to a Wild Cat,” she said.