Golf is a sport where the smallest improvements take countless hours of practice. It’s not just a physical sport, but a mental one too. Golf requires self discipline, focus, and resilience. One girl who emulates these qualities from the Cherry Hill High School East Girls Golf team, is Amita Oberoi (‘28). 

Although she is a freshman, her swings make it look like she’s been on the team for years due to her years of experience.

 “I was first introduced to [golf] when my mom had forgotten to sign me up for soccer. My dad decided that I should start golf as he was a big fan of the sport,” said Oberoi. 

Since then, Amita has grown into a confident and dedicated athlete while maintaining her many other activities; including playing the saxophone and being a part of the East swim team. 

“Golf is such a rewarding sport. You’re mostly competing with yourself [and] making any improvement [is] satisfying” she said.

Amita’s strong start didn’t come out of nowhere. Before the season, she dedicated time to practice with her dad. As a result, she was confident going into this year’s season. Her hard work showed in her first match, where despite the unexpected weather, she still came through. She said it was pouring, and her socks were wet. She even mentioned how she felt like her hands were going to fall off. 

Coach Wood, the East girls golf coach, commented on Oberoi’s recent performance.

“Hole #2 vs. West—she scored from 160 yards out by sinking an Eagle! [Amita’s] confidence, laid-back attitude, and being a leader by example makes her a strong teammate,” said Coach Wood. 

For those unfamiliar with what an Eagle is, it is when a player completes a hole in two strokes under par—a rare and impressive feat, especially for a freshman.

Amita’s drive isn’t just self-motivated, some of it comes from her older sister, a former standout on the East girls golf team. She served as team captain, leaving behind a strong legacy. Watching her sister lead the team with skill and confidence set a high bar for Amita to reach. 

“Trying to live up to her legacy has been difficult,” Amita said. “There’s definitely some pressure, especially because some people still remember how well she played. But instead of letting that intimidate me, it’s motivated me to try harder and become more successful during matches.”

Right now, Amita has shifted her focus to her mission, breaking a score of 40. She explained how she has not been close to that goal in recent matches, but it’ll only fuel her determination each time she steps onto the course. Whether it’s extra practice or mindset changes, there is no doubt that she will remain determined. 

Amita Oberoi embodies what it means to be a driven student-athlete. With a calm confidence and a determined work ethic, her growth this season is only the beginning.