Senior Jaylen Byrd measures this season less by scorecards and more by the impact she has on the people around her. “Personally, I hope to be a leader for my teammates and an encouragement to all,” Byrd said.
She said the culture within Weatherford girls’ golf has been a constant bright spot. “The team morale has been great, as usual!” she said. “We have a good group of senior girls who have almost all been here since freshman year, so it’s really cool to see all of us grow into the young women we are now.” That experience has translated into noticeable progress. “Everyone has improved greatly from last season. From skills to mental game, our team has seen lots of growth!” Byrd said.
Improvement remains the program’s main benchmark. “The team’s overall goal is to improve from last year! Through scores, mental games, and as a team,” she said. Attitude is a big part of that. “I think our team’s biggest strength is our attitudes and positivity,” Byrd said.
On the course, she keeps perspective at the center of everything. “I try to be very intentional about having a positive mindset on the course,” she said. “I remind myself that my golf performance does not define me, and that there are so many bigger things than golf!” That outlook also shapes how she hopes people talk about her down the road. “I hope I am remembered for my character and the way that I treated people, rather than any accomplishments I achieved!” Byrd said.
She loves that this senior class has essentially grown up together. “This group of senior girls have been together since freshman year. Some even middle school!” she said. Her pre-round routine has a musical twist. “I actually always listen to the Mamma Mia! soundtrack before every tournament!” Byrd said.
Some of her favorite moments have come alongside a close friend. “My favorite memories have been made with one of my best friends, Presley Fast practicing on the course or long bus rides to and from tournaments,” she said. Away from golf, she added, “I am a singer and perform in choir at school and musical theater productions at school when a local community theater, the Southwest Playhouse. I plan to attend Oklahoma Christian University and major in education.”
