Helen Buk '22 Recruiting Profile

My name is Helen Buk and I am in the Class of 2022 at Dakota High School in Macomb, Michigan. I have lived in Macomb, Michigan my entire life with my mom, dad, brother, and sister (I am the oldest). I am fortunate to attend a wonderful and large high school (almost 4,000 students) that provides many diverse opportunities inside and outside the classroom. I have utilized these opportunities to meet and befriend many people, participate in extracurriculars, and to take varied classes throughout my high school time. I played clarinet in the school orchestra band, I played on the Freshman softball team, and most importantly, I have had an enjoyable academic journey. I really connected with my high school classes in Accounting, Science and History and I would like to continue this coursework in college. My mother is a CPA and this career is interesting to me. That being said, I approach most things in life with an open mind and look forward to my academic future.

Although I have many interests, my passion is, of course, golf. I began playing, casually, at age 9. I think my parents were looking to build out their weekend foursome and make destination golf vacations a family favorite. It was at this time that I began taking lessons from a local PGA Teaching Pro named Dan Rusek. I am proud to say that I have developed a tremendous connection with my coach that continues today. I see him once a week and have done so for many years.  Coach Dan has taught me how to play the game, along with many life lessons.

When I started high school, I was thrilled to have made the Varsity Golf team as a Freshman. I was able to contribute immediately to the team, playing in most matches and tournaments that season. During my three years as a high school player I have been to the State Finals all three years. This is the accomplishment of which I am most proud. During my high school career, I have been fortunate to play under a tremendous coach, Dave Prestininzi. He is a super knowledgeable, old school coach. Coach Prestininzi is a tough coach that expects much from his athletes. I have learned from his approach that I am very open to being coached and that I can only get better with the help of others.  I am a better person due to this experience and this openness to learn has carried over and benefited other aspects of my life. 

I have learned from my coaches to enjoy practicing but to practice with a purpose. Although paling in comparison to the broader global problems, practice was challenging during COVID quarantine restrictions. Unable to use the local indoor practice facility, I was relegated to the garage practice net for two months. I learned during this time to be happy with what I had, and not worry about what I didn't have at the time. I believe this is true of golf in general.  It would be easy to let one bad shot turn into a 2nd and then a 3rd. Fighting against this has been part of the learning curve and something that I try to battle in all aspects of life.  The saying “if you don’t get exactly what you want, you still get experience” really resonates with me.

Even though golf is ultimately an individual sport that can, at times, seem like a solitary endeavor, the part I enjoy the most is being part of a team. Going into high school, I would have described myself as a quiet person. Golf has played a major part of getting me out my "shell." My golf teammates are some of my best friends and the comradery I have with them is one of my best high school memories. In general, I have found that the girls I have met through golf, teammates and opponents alike, are some of the nicest people I have ever known.  I truly cherish those relationships. Not only do I like to be on a team, but I have also learned to be a leader. I always try to do what I can to make my teammates better. For example, over the last 2 years I have coordinated and led weekly practices during the offseason.  I was recently named Team Captain for the 2021 season and I am thrilled to act in that capacity as a team leader and mentor to my younger teammates.

I have no doubt that I would like to continue my golf career into college, I think that I would be a valuable asset to any program both on the course and off.  As I do every day, I am ready to give my full effort with a great attitude to a golf program and school.