As the season draws to a close, Emme Darnold, a standout golfer for the Andrews Lady Mustangs, is gearing up for her final high school tournament. The senior will participate in the UIL Girls Class 4A State Championships, which is set to take place on Monday and Tuesday at the picturesque Legends Golf Course in Kingsland, Texas. Despite the significance of this event, Darnold has remained remarkably composed, focusing on the excitement of competition rather than the emotional weight of finality.

I think Im more excited than anything, Darnold shared. I think maybe when were done, the emotions will hit me. But I really have myself composed right now and just having fun. Her calm demeanor reflects a confident mindset as she prepares to help her team secure another state title.

This year's state championship holds extra significance, as the Lady Mustangs are on the cusp of achieving their third consecutive state title and an impressive 20th overall. Last year, Darnold showcased her skills by finishing in 10th place individually with a two-day score of 72-80, totaling 152. Meanwhile, her team dominated the competition, finishing with a score of 297-309, summing up to 606 pointsan impressive 43 strokes ahead of their nearest rival, Seminole.

Darnolds impressive trajectory in the state tournament is noteworthy; she previously secured a fourth-place finish the year before with a score of 74-78, showcasing her consistent performance at a high level. This year, her confidence is bolstered by the Lady Mustangs impressive victory at the Region I-4A title, where they won by a staggering margin of 59 strokes.

Im excited that this is my last (state tournament) and hopefully, itll be my best one, Darnold mentioned. Looking ahead, she expressed her enthusiasm for continuing her golf career at the collegiate level, having committed to play for the NCAA Division II team at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. I went on a visit, and it just felt like home, Darnold said, adding that she felt a strong connection with both the coach and her future teammates.

Throughout her high school career, Darnold has made a mark by winning a total of ten tournaments, with three victories occurring just this season alone. These wins were celebrated at prestigious events such as the Tall City Tournament, the Andrews Girls Classic, and the District Tournament. However, Darnold has also faced challenges this season. Sometimes, I havent seen the results I wanted to while playing golf, she admitted. I feel like Ive played well and then not see the results. Despite the ups and downs, she remains optimistic about her prospects in the upcoming tournament.

"Its been special, Darnold reflected on her season. Ive gotten some wins, and I just hope to continue to have success. As the only senior on the Andrews girls' golf team, her presence has been pivotal. Head coach Mark Burgen praised her contributions, stating, Shes been very solid and very stable and just a solid leader. When she goes out and sets the pace, shes going to come in with a very competitive score ... Shes a big leader for us.

Darnold's experience at the state tournament is another asset for the Lady Mustangs. This will be her third time competing at this prestigious level, and her familiarity with the stakes involved is invaluable. Shes just experienced, Burgen noted. We dont face a situation that catches her by surprise.

While Darnold is eager to perform well as an individual, her primary goal is to help her team clinch another state championship. I want to win a state championship, not just by myself, but with the team also, she stated. Individually, I want to win, and so thats really the goal that I have right now. As she prepares for this final chapter of her high school career, Darnold exemplifies the spirit of competition and teamwork that defines high school sports.