Sloan reflects on golf career success
HUNTLEY — Huntley golfer Maddie Sloan looked back on her final round as a Red Raider, her family’s involvement in the sport and a hat full of golf professionals’ autographs she still owns.
Sloan just missed the cut for the IHSA Girls Golf Class 2A State Tournament, losing out on the playoff hole by one shot with a sectional round of 84.
“I was really nervous when I learned I had to do a playoff hole,” Sloan said. “I have never been in that position before so it really brought out the competitive side of me. The support from the girls was great and definitely helped knowing that they where there to support me. I think I played well at Homestead, the 84 I shot there was my best round there. We played there for regionals my freshman and junior year.”
Sloan has a solid high school golf resume for the Red Raiders. This season, she finished third at the Huntley Invitational; medalist winner in four Fox Valley Conference duals; seventh place McHenry County Invitational; fourth place FVC championship and all-conference team; seventh place IHSA Class 2A Huntley Regional; and IHSA Sectional qualifier. In 2023, her highlights were: All-FVC team; 10th place Belvidere Invitational; 10th place McHenry County Invite; ninth place FVC Championship and IHSA Sectional qualifier. She was all-FVC in 2022 as well.
Sloan, who hopes to play golf collegiately, but has yet to make a final choice, answered some post-season questions from My Huntley News.
What golf skills did you work the most on this summer?
Sloan: “I mainly worked on my putting and wedges this year and over the summer. I took a few lessons and spent majority of practice on the putting green.”
How do you show your senior leadership?
Sloan: “I help my teammates by being there for them with whatever they need, even if it’s not golf related. I’ll help them with their swings too and give them different techniques to try.”
Who assisted you in your early high school days in golf?
Sloan: “My freshman and sophomore seasons I got a lot of help from Abby Panier and Sammi Campanelli. Abby was more helpful with fixing things within our swings and Sammi just helped keep the spirits high and made sure everyone was having fun.”
Describe how your family is involved in golf.
Sloan: “Everyone in my family plays golf, but only for fun. My dad, Keith, plays the most, and he’s the one that taught me. But my mom Stacy and brother Andrew will also play from time to time.”
What is your pre-round routine?
Sloan: “Before every match I’ll always go and warm up and I’ll always be listening to music, even when I’m walking up to the tee box.”
Whom do you admire on the LPGA?
Sloan: “I admire Angel Lin the most on the LPGA, she always seems like she’s having a good time and enjoys what she does. She is also the most famous LPGA player I’ve met and she’s one of the signatures on my hat. Most of the signatures on my hat are from the original Good Good golf members which are guys from a golf Youtube channel that me and my brother met a few summers ago.”
What is your most challenging subject in school?
Sloan: “Math has always been the most challenging subject for me in school, but once I understand what I’m doing, I actually really enjoy it.”
Any pointers you would like to give to young golfers?
Sloan: “The biggest tip I would give to younger girls that want to play is that you have to have fun and get to know your teammates and the people you play against. The girls in the FVC have made golf so much more enjoyable and I don’t think it would be nearly as fun if we didn’t take time to get to know each other.”
