For Freedom’s Audrina Montesano, her current high school golf career began rather innocently.

“I started playing because when I was around 6-years-old, I was on vacation with my family and we went to top golf,” recalled Montesano. “After a couple shots, I realized how much I enjoyed it so when we got back to Pennsylvania, my parents put me into the girls’ golf. When I grew out of that, I was put into PGA Jr. League and then GALV.”

This past fall season, the freshman was a silver medalist at the East Penn Conference (EPC) Championships, and she went on to finish seventh in the district championships. Unfortunately, only the top-three qualified for the PIAA Championships, and Montesano’s magical ride was over.

However, it certainly was fun while it lasted. Montesano had an average in the mid-90s throughout the season.

“With only being a freshman, I got more comfortable and confident each match,” stressed Montesano. “Making the EPC and taking second place as well as making districts definitely also had an impact on my confidence.

“That’s when I really felt most comfortable this season.”

Head coach Mike Evans already is relishing the next three season ahead.

“Audrina was a steady contributor for us throughout the season,” beamed Evans. “She worked hard to improve her game each week. She also gained confidence along the way, and she has a lot of potential.

“We know she can continue to improve her game.”

Improving confidence was a top priority for Montesano this season.

“Confidence was definitely something I struggled with,” reflected Montesano. “I was always really hard on myself and since I started at such a young age it was a mental switch to have my main sport be more of an individual sport while my friends were all a part of a team sport.”

With a budding confidence, Montesano began to believe she could make an impact at the EPC tournament and districts.

“There wasn’t a specific match that I could point to,” said Montesano. “Just halfway through the season with the amount of work I putting in, I felt strongly that I had a chance to take it all the way, or at least as far as I could.”

Montesano recalled one round that will always stay with her

“My favorite round of all time I would say was when I broke 100 for the first time at Bethlehem Municipal,” noted Montesano. “I was just playing a casual round with my dad and I had been trying to break 100 for the longest time, and then I finally did it and shot a 93.”

Her father, Michael, has been a steady force.

“My dad definitely had the biggest influence in my career,” said Montesano. “He has always been the person I go out and play a round of golf with, and he has supported me through every high and low.”

Montesano, who also plays basketball and soccer, likes her team’s chances next fall.

“The team has some really good returning players for next year,” said Montesano. “We have a pretty strong bond with each other as well as with our coach.”