Each week during the school year the Naples Daily News selects athletes that stood out the week before based on a combination of coach reports and school nominations sent to sports@naplesnews.com and our coverage. Those athletes are put in a poll each Monday on naplesnews.com and you, our readers, vote on who you think did it best. The winners of the Naples Daily News Athlete of the Week poll sponsored by Elevate Home Services receive a T-shirt provided by BSN Sports and a tote bag provided by USA Today High School Sports Awards. To get to know our winners better, the Naples Daily News will have a question-and-answer session with each athlete weekly.
The Naples Daily News Athlete of the Week sponsored by Elevate Home Services for Oct. 14-19 was First Baptist golfer Eva Lye. Lye captured 61% of the votes. To be nominated, the senior took first place with a 3-under par 33 against St. John Neumann, followed by another 3-under par 33 against Fort Myers.
Question: How early did you get into golfing? What drew you to the sport?
Lye: I started playing golf in sixth grade. I started playing golf because my dad played professionally his whole life, and I enjoyed playing with him.
What’s been a highlight of your golfing career thus far?
Lye: I’ve really enjoyed playing especially at tournaments like FHSAA states and winning the SFPGA junior cup this summer.
Do you have any sort of routine before you go out on the links?
Lye: I stretch a little bit and listen to relaxing music.
Is there a golfer from the U.S. or abroad you look up to or enjoy watching? If so, why?
Lye: I look up to Nelly Korda because her swing is really good and she keeps a steady mind on the course.
Previous winner: NDN Athlete of the Week by Elevate Home Services winner for Sept. 30-Oct. 5: Naples’ Nathan Edwards
If you weren’t golfing, what sport would you participate in and why?
Lye: If I wasn’t playing golf I would probably do track since I did track before playing golf.
What are your goals for the rest of the season?
Lye: My goals are to play well in districts, regionals, and states and maybe win one or two of them.
What are your plans for the future following high school?
Lye: Next fall I am going to play golf for High Point University and I hope to play professionally after that.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: First Baptist’s’ Eva Lye, Oct. 14-19, Naples Daily News Athlete of the Week
