My name is Leah Balsbaugh and I am a senior on the women’s golf team here at UD. I am from Sussex, Wisconsin, and I graduated in 2022 from Hamilton High School. I grew up playing various team sports including soccer and softball, but I fell in love with golf because I could play my individual game while also being part of a larger team.
Being involved in physical activity throughout my life has not only improved my physical health, but also my emotional and mental well-being. When I am out on the golf course, I feel grounded and focused in a way that I am not able to achieve otherwise. While skill is necessary in golf, mental toughness is often more important than raw talent. Throughout my time at UD, I have improved my mental toughness dramatically, which has resulted in better performance and more enjoyment on the course. This has strengthened my perseverance beyond the course, and I hope to carry these lessons with me as I prepare for life after college.
I would encourage anyone, regardless of their background or goals, to invest in both their physical and emotional health. Staying active doesn’t just build strength and endurance, it also provides a powerful outlet for stress, improves focus, and creates a sense of balance in daily life. Finding an activity, you enjoy, whether it’s golf, running, or simply walking outside, can help you stay grounded and more confident in facing challenges.
