Brianna Rostescu '24 Recruiting Profile

The microphone makes the spine twitchinggSCREECH as I step up to the podium and share my story to two hundred different faces. This was my moment, this is what I am going to remember years from now. I look up from the printed paper of my speech, trying not to stutter my words. I feel the uneasiness in my stomach but when I see my mom and dad with smiles from ear to ear it makes me feel like I’m home. I delivered a Valedictorian Speech for my graduating eighth grade class during COVID but today's speech was different. The pressure was all on me; I needed to make a good impression and to make my name worth knowing.  Ian Happ, from the Cubs MLB Team, introduced me to the crowd filled with corporate members, golf sponsors, and my mentors. I share my story of being a junior golfer with members of the First Tee Greater Chicago at the Grand Opening of their golf practice facility. My heart is racing (I am also still stunned from shaking hands with the outfielder of the Cubs) as I welcome and thank everyone for sharing this moment with me. I was extremely nervous but excited at the same time, which made my stomach flip. Yet in this moment, I can feel the warmth of the spotlight and the strength of being a leader. I then look out to my audience to see faces worn with warm, heartfelt smiles and my nervousness vanishes into thin air. Playing golf has taught me to rise to the occasion and dominate when under pressure. Golf has shaped me into the person I am today and giving a speech to all of these executives didn’t seem as scary as approaching the tee box

As a young girl, I have tried many sports and hobbies: violin, guitar, piano, softball, basketball, skateboarding, and even surfing. Yet nothing compared to the passion I have for golf. Although the game is challenging, it brings me such joy and hardship that I haven’t felt from any other hobby. The First Tee was such a fun golf program to be a part of as a young girl introduced to golf. I remember having such admiration for the older kids who taught me. Now as a junior golf coach, I get that full circle effect of giving back that same welcoming energy. This job has strengthened my communication skills, being a role model for kids is my number one priority. My perspective on golf, which I've grown to love, has blossomed since becoming a junior golf coach at the First Tee. Ten years later, I qualified for state regionals. The following year I advanced to sectionals. Then in my junior year, I made All-Conference as well as obtained my role of president of the Golf Club. The person I am today is because of my experience as a leader and the personal cheerleaders who have helped me along the way. 

I'm someone who highly values education, I am reaching out to fulfill a goal I have to play collegiate golf and get a degree. I have been working very hard both on and off the course to help make the dream come to fruition. I believe that if I'm placed in the proper program with an experienced coaching staff and team the possibilities and limits will only mature into my school's success along with my personal fulfillment. I plan on continuing to lower my scores during my Senior year of high school and become a competitive college athlete at your school. This has helped me tremendously in my high school golf career. All my years as team captain I have made big improvements and constantly progress each season not just score-wise but in tournament advancements/placements as well. From qualifying for regionals my freshman year, then following up to my sophomore and junior years becoming conference champions which then led to player of the year in The Metro Suburban Conference (MSC) which helped boost me through the regionals and get to the sectionals. My Senior year is off to a great start being 4-0 (current 9-hole avg 32.33)(18-hole avg. 83.4) and with a determined goal in mind of qualifying for the IHSA State Finals -this season I've improved my avg. score by 13.6 strokes. I’ve been participating and still an active member of IJGA ever since the age of 10. I am willing to do whatever it takes to continue playing the game I love after high school. I am excited to find a college that encourages academic enrichment alongside of a strong golf program. I take pride in my strong work ethic both on the course and in the classroom, along with my ability to handle and succeed in high-pressure situations.