BY KYLE TROUTMAN ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
The most decorated golfer in Cassville history wrapped up her career in the fall with a third straight state medal, and she will tee off next fall aiming to win more hardware for another school with a big cat mascot.
On Nov. 8, Avery Chappell, Lady Wildcat senior, signed to play golf at Drury University next year, home of the Panthers.
“I’m super excited,” Chappell said. “I don’t know how to describe it. I’m just looking forward to next year. I had a couple other offers and looked at some other schools, but Drury is what I thought will be best for me. Academics and athletics, both are really fitting for what I want to do.”
Chappell turned heads her sophomore year by taking 10th place in Class 2, following up that performance in her junior year with a 9th-place finish. This year, as a senior, she achieved her best placement in the state, taking 6th place overall.
“Avery has been a lot of fun to coach,” said Jay Rogers, Cassville golf coach. “She’s a good golfer, great teammate and a competitor. She’s put in the time, effort and work over many years, and I’m proud to see it pay off.”
Chappell said over her time at Cassville, it’s not the medals or accolades she has won that stand out in her mind — it’s her team.
“The team we built with Coach Rogers, it’s been a really uplifting experience and we’ve bonded really well,” she said. “Playing here taught me what being a teammate was. We had more and more people over the years, and that has been fun.
“The best experience [on the course] was playing in state three years — that was super awesome. Those experiences will definitely help me at the next level.”
Rogers said Chappell has a full bag of qualities that make her a great candidate for collegiate golf, and he hopes she uses them to find success.
“Avery has a great work ethic and a great personality,” he said. “She’s just a great kid and student. She loves the game and will put the time in.”
Chappell is the second golfer to sign to play collegiately, as her former teammate, Maci Barton, signed in February to play this fall at Crowder College in Neosho.
“It’s really cool [to have another college- level player,” Rogers said. “That wasn’t even on my radar when we started the program, but especially when I saw Avery’s abilities by sophomore year, I knew it was something we should pursue. I’m excited to see how she grows in the hame in college.”
Chappell said for young golfers hoping to secure a college scholarship, persistence is key.
“Keep playing,” she said. “Never give up. Golf is a sport that has it’s ups and downs, so keep striving to reach your goals. And, have fun. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and play because you want to play.”
Chappell plans to major in business with an emphasis on marketing or supply chain management.
