Never was that more apparent than at the Jesuit Invitational on Feb. 28, where she shot a 72,  beating a field of more than 70 players from schools such as Ursuline, Hockaday, and Greenhill, some of whom have already committed to collegiate golf programs.

 

As the only girl on the team, Schachtel is required, per TAPPS rules, to compete as an individual; her against the world.

 

“She is laying the foundation for the girls’ golf program here at Alcuin,” said Seth Sayler, head coach of Alcuin Golf Team. “I can’t think of a better young woman to represent the program than her.”

 

It was her second tournament win of the season and the biggest so far, given the level of competition she faced.

 

“The main thing about golf is being consistent," Schachtel said. "No matter how hard you hit the ball, as long as you hit it straight you’re fine. I just stayed focused and had fun.”

 

Schachtel’s love for golf began when she was ten years old, picking up the game after watching her brother Adyn and her father Andrew play. Since then, Schachtel has developed her swing with the help of a few coaches and hours of practice. She began playing golf competitively on the American Junior Golf Association and National Junior Golf Association circuits.

 

Sayler, who has coached Schachtel for two years, said she is only beginning to realize her potential.

 

“She’s learning as a player that it doesn’t matter how old you are,” Sayler said. “Ball-striking is ball-striking and Adysn strikes the ball better than 90 percent of the players she’s up against. It’s all mental; an absolute belief that you can be the best.”

 

Schachtel said being the only girl on the team is a challenge on its own, but one she’s learned to manage.

 

“In a way, I kind of prefer it,” Schachtel said. “I get to rely on my own scores instead of a team score.”

 

Still, Schachtel said she’d love to see more girls join the Alcuin golf team. As strong advocate for getting more girls interested in golf, she has been invited to join the coaching staff of a clinic for underprivileged children in Houston, hosted by LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam.

 

“I’ve always been interested in getting girls into golf,” Schachtel said. “I’ve had many ideas how to help underprivileged children play golf, so I’m really glad I get this opportunity and hopefully I get invited to do more things like this.”