De Soto High School once again became home to a State champion On Oct. 20. On that evening, senior golfer Brittani Jenson sunk a two-foot putt for birdie to win the Kansas 4A State Golf Championships at Dubbs Dread Golf Club in Kansas City, Kansas

The victory came on the 19th hole, after hitting a putt on the last hole in regulation to force the playoff.

Jenson and her opponent had been battling the entire round, exchanging birdies near the end to force the playoff hole. Eventually, Jenson came out on top.

Coach Drew Walters was proud of how Jenson came through in the end.

“Her winning the State title was awesome,” Walters said. “She didn’t play as well as she wanted to on the front nine, but she composed herself well down the last few holes.”

This all came after a very successful regular season for Jenson, including winning three tournaments.

However, the this year’s State championship run did not come easy. Jenson missed most of last season after a wrist injury forced her to undergo surgery. When initially injured, she admitted she was pessimistic about her chances of recovering.

“I had wrist surgery, and I was determined that I was not going to do very well,” Jenson said.

However, thanks to physical therapy and “a lot of positive thinking,” Jenson was able to persevere and return to form as one of the best golfers in the state.

Walters appreciates the determination present in Jenson.

“I admire Brittani’s work ethic.  She is very driven and has put in a lot of work to become a very good player,” Walters said. “This is something she worked a long time for. After missing last year, this was her goal all along.”

Such an injury typically would have been considered career-ending, or hindering at the least. However, Jenson persevered and came out on top.

At last month’s school-wide pep assembly, Activities Directors John Sedler welcomed the entire girls’ golf team down from the bleachers to speak.

Instead of a large group coming down similar to football or basketball, only Jenson headed down to the court.

Jenson is the only member of the DHS girls’ golf team. During the regular season, she competed with the team from Mill Valley High School.

Don’t let the team’s small size fool you – girls’ golf has been, statistically speaking, one of the most successful sports DHS offers this year. Entering the postseason, Jenson had placed in all 10 events she had competed in.

She has been a member of the team for the past four years, and has seen the program’s size shrink as she progressed. From a team of several girls her freshman year, she stood as the lone member as a senior.

This small team size may not have hindered Jenson’s success, but it did mentally affect her.

“I wish I could have celebrated this with other people that were supposed to be on my team,” Jenson said.

However, having a strong support system at DHS helped her endure the difficulties.

“I have a whole school and my family that is supporting me, so it’s good,” Jenson said.

In mid-May, when she graduates and receives her diploma, Jenson will leave DHS. However, her legacy as a State champion will stay forever.