It’s scary to think what Addison Meadows might accomplish these next two years. The Southmont sophomore just concluded another historic season by being back at the IHSAA State Finals for a second straight year. In doing so she placed tied for 28th and with her performance earned All-State honors, the first girls golfer in school history to do so. In her first two seasons with the Mounties she holds almost every school record there is.
While she did make the state finals again this season, the path to qualify, before the season began, was made much more difficult. In Meadows’ freshman season she was one of five individuals who qualified from the regional. This season, the IHSAA was only taking the top two instead. At the Battle Ground Regional in Lafayette, Meadows shot a 74 to secure her second straight trip to state.
“Heading into the Regional I wasn’t really all that nervous,” Meadows said. “I knew that I could shoot a low number on that course. I didn’t feel much pressure and was just out there having fun playing my best game. I knew it was going to be tough to get out with so many of the state’s top teams there and I knew I was going to have to post a low score in order to get out.”
Meadows saved one of her better rounds for that Regional which included some phenomenal putting. With a second straight trip to the state finals and proving that she’s one of the top players in the state, Meadows has officially defended her title and re-peats as the 2022 Journal Review Girls Golfer of the Year.
To show how high of goals Meadows has for herself. Her goal coming into the State Finals was to be in the top 10. While that goal didn’t come to fruition, she was able to check off another goal of making the All-State team. Southmont coach Bill Whalen knows that the mindset and sheer determination of Meadows is something that continues to drive to her in every meet and tournament she plays in.
“This year at state she tripled and double bogeyed her first two holes. Addison’s mindset is just so laser focused that she knows she can bounce back from it,” Whalen said. “For her to make All-State and knowing the kind of competition there is out there and for her being from a small school like Southmont says a lot about her ability.”
Being able to represent the Mounties is something that Meadows doesn’t take for granted. Southmont was just one of a few 2A schools represented at the state finals. At the end of the day the message the Meadows uses is simple.
“Some people think just because you’re from a small school or just because you’re playing against bigger schools, you won’t make it out,” Meadows said. “I know that if you want something hard enough you’ll get it if you put in the time and dedication into it. I worked my tail off spending a ton of time on putting greens and on the driving range. Making All-State as a sophomore, I was able to prove to myself that I’m good enough.”
In her freshman season, Meadows had the leadership and guidance of three seniors in Macie Shirk, Bailey Barker and Taylor Grino. This season she knew from day one that she along with senior Stella Snook would be asked to lead the Mounties both on and off the course. A conversation between Meadows and Whalen sparked that leadership mentality.
“I told her that it was up to her on how she wants to be remembered off the course,” Whalen said. “On the course she’s going to break every record there is and be one of if not the best to ever play for us. She took that to heart I think and her maturity level this year was night and day difference from her freshman year. She works with the girls at practice and isn’t afraid to help them try something different to make their game better.”
Meadows added that while not many Sophomores are asked to be leaders, she felt ready for the challenge.
“It felt nice to be a leader this season,” she said. “It was harder this year without those three seniors that we had my freshman year. It’ll be just as hard next year without Stella being there because I loved them all dearly. They’re all part of our golf family. It’s my job to teach the younger girls to play well because when I’m not here I still want those younger girls to know they can still play at a high level.”
Meadows still has two more years left to achieve her goal of being in the top 10. Whether people believe it or not, there is still room to grow for the sensational sophomore. Golf is a game where you can go out and have an outstanding round, but still not place where you want because another person might shoot better. Meadows knows that fact but she won’t let that deter her away from giving it her all.
“I want to have fun first and foremost whenever I play,” she said. “I go in and play my heart out and hope that it’s good enough. Sometimes another girl might have a better round than me even when I did play well. To get into the top 10 next year I think I’ll just have to be more consistent in getting the shots closer to the hole so I can make birdies. Playing at the state finals is hard, but I know I have the talent to be there and to play well.”
She certainly does and she’s proved it the last two seasons. Meadows isn’t just the best golfer in Montgomery County, she’s proven she’s one of the best in the entire state. Only time will tell what’s in store for Meadows as she beings the ladder half her career next fall.
