It’s the last game of the season, and sophomore Priya Devine walks up to putt her ball into the golf hole. As she watches it fall into the cup, she realizes that she made a birdie, allowing her to make it to CIF individuals for the second year in a row for her team.
Priya Devine is a varsity golfer, California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) individual champion, sophomore class president, AP student, sister, and a friend. However you know her, there is no doubt that she is one of the best golfers and students as she made it into CIF individual championships not once, but twice in a row. All of this is the product of her hard work and dedication, noticed by her coaches, teachers, and peers.
“[Priya is] a good example because she carries that same drive to try to be the best she can in everything she does,” Girl’s Golf Coach Mr. Ron Capps said.
Devine has been playing golf for six years, developing her skills and talents so she could join the Ayala girl’s golf team. Devine’s sister Meera Devine, graduated in 2022 and was also a member of the Ayala girl’s golf team. Meera inspired Priya to start playing golf and convinced her to join the girl’s golf team as well.
“I heard about Priya and saw Priya before high school because her older sister was on the team and she was with us for all four years, so I knew [Priya] probably since the beginning of seventh grade,” Capps said.
Devine made it into CIF individuals two years in a row with her other teammates, as she was on the top of the pack score-wise. She does not let that get to her head though, as she continues to unite the team through her cheer, positive attitude, and hard work. To Devine, scoring the best golf score is not what matters but rather one’s character and work ethic to get to the place that they want to be.
“I feel like she brought more team bonding [and she lets] everybody [know] that your score doesn’t matter,” Girls’ Golf Captain Malaya Csupak (12) said.
Because of Devine’s busy schedule, she has to make sure that she manages her time well so she doesn’t fall behind. Though she pours her energy into golf, she makes sure to prioritize her schoolwork.
“I try to get my work done ahead of time, especially for school,” Devine said. “And then for other stuff, I just try to manage it when I come home.”
Priya Devine is one of the hardest working golfers and students who doesn’t let anything get by her. She knows that determination and hard work will get her to where she wants to be, and she wants to inspire others to do the same. The two time CIF individual champion is a great example for her peers, friends, and family.
“I wish to inspire [the golf team] to try their hardest and just keep working because you’ll get to where you want to be,” Devine said.
