Iowa City High’s Sarah Overton excited for senior golf season

IOWA CITY — Iowa City High's Sarah Overton is eager to get the spring golf season started.

After the strong finish as a junior, it is easy to understand the reason.

Overton performed well in her state tournament debut and proved she belonged with the best competitors in the state. The Little Hawks' senior has her sights set higher in her final campaign.

'I had the privilege to go to state and finish in the top 10,' said Overton, who placed 10th in the Class 5A tournament. 'Just going in there and seeing how well all those girls played and I know I can compete with the top girls in the state. I'm excited to start the season and continue to improve.'

The work to get better started before golf courses and the weather were open for business.

Overton lifted weights about three times a week while playing basketball this winter for City High. In January, she began swinging on an indoor simulator at the school, regaining her form to prevent a rusty start for the upcoming season.

'She's looking really good, right now,' City High Coach Jerry Hora said. 'She has a lot of work she's put in with her swing.

'Personally, I think she's going to have an outstanding year.'

Hora is a member of the Iowa High School Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame and has coached male and female golfers for 43 years. He praised the 2015 Mississippi Valley Conference Mississippi Division Player of the Year, three-time all-conference performer and CRANDIC champion.

'She's working hard at it,' Hora said. 'She may be the hardest-working golfer I've had. Any honor she has was earned. Nobody has given her anything.'

Overton averaged 42.57 per nine holes and 79.17 over 18. The latter was six strokes better than her sophomore season. Hora and Overton both said cutting strokes in her short game will be key to making another significant jump.

Overton's success has developed relatively quickly due to her devotion. While many players at her level have played for almost a decade, Overton began just about five years ago. The time working at City High's home course of Pleasant Valley Golf Course or Finkbine Golf Course, home of the Hawkeyes, has been time well spent on her athletic passion.

'I really love and enjoy the game,' Overton said. 'I've been told I have a lot of potential. I just want to be the best golfer I can be.'

Her game still is raw and plenty of room for improvement exists. Hora said Overton expands her knowledge of the sport daily, even testing him during rules meetings.

'She understands the game,' Hora said. 'She's a great student of the game.'

Overton's effort has afforded her an opportunity to extend her golf career. Being an Iowa City resident, she has wanted to attend the University of Iowa. Everything came together during the fall when she talked with Hawkeyes head coach Megan Menzel.

Overton will walk on to the Iowa team, and she is motivated to keep proving herself.

'She was really welcoming,' Overton said about Menzel. 'I like the whole family atmosphere over there. It's an honor to compete with those girls and be a Big Ten athlete.'

She has influenced more than her own game. City High's leader by example has impacted her teammates as well. They followed her during last year's state meet, realizing they were as capable as some in the field and with added work they could join her.

'It's been tremendous,' Hora said. 'A lot of our other girls have worked in the off-season to try to improve and see if we can't go to state as a team. It was huge for her and our program.'

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