Klune hopes to end up singing victory tune

It's not about how you start the season - it's how you finish.

When it comes to girls golf, Kaela Klune seems to know that better than anyone else.

In 2007, Klune earned herself a shot at the state meet as a junior.

Though the common goal is to come out on top, Klune has gained a lot of knowledge from her 11th-place finish last season.

After shooting 79 in her first round, Kaela battled back on the second day of the two-day IHSA tournament and fired an even-par 72.

With high aspirations for her senior year at St. Viator, she seems to be keeping her eyes on the road ahead.

"I was happy with my finish at state last year, but I'm really hoping that I can continue improving," said Klune. "A top-five finish would be my ultimate goal for this season because I've been working really hard on my game."

In order to keep her game finely tuned over the summer, Kaela devoted much of her time to the links. She participated in a number of Illinois Junior Golf Association tournaments, which she used to prepare for the 2008 season.

"One of the reasons I play in tournaments over the summer is so I can keep the same mindset I have during the school season. It ends up helping me a lot during our first few meets."

Beside staying competitive over the summer, Klune often tees it up with her family.

It's safe to say that she doesn't have to go far to find a playing partner.

"My dad always played a lot of golf and my mom started playing around the time my brother and I did," said Klune. "Golf is definitely a lifelong sport that my entire family loves."

Kaela isn't the only St. Viator golfer living in her house. Her brother Brad, a junior, was a member of the 2007 state champion boys team.

"My brother and I got the chance to play four or five times a week over the summer, sometimes with other friends," Klune said. "It's really a lot of fun."

Don't think that Klune is concentrating only on her game this fall. As she steps into her senior year, she takes her role as a veteran in stride.

"It's a lot of fun to see the freshmen coming in this year," said Klune. "I think that we have a really solid team and I'm so proud of everyone because they've worked so hard."

Klune will share her leadership this season with co-captain Betsy Mleko, who is also a senior.

Aside from her teammates, Klune is also excited about continuing to play under varsity coach Mick Drewes, a person to whom she attributes a good amount of her success.

"Coach expects the best from us," Klune said. "He works with all of us individually but also as a team and that's what makes him such a good coach.

"He also helps me with the mental side of the game. He's definitely one of the reasons I've played so well."

While it seems that golf takes up much of Klune's time, she keeps her other priorities in perspective.

Aside from the golf season, she also balances a full schedule at school and a job. As for life after St. Viator, Klune could have golf on the map but will continue hitting the books.

"If I get the opportunity to play golf in college I will definitely take it.," Klune said. "Hopefully it would be a school that has great academics because that's what I'm looking for as well."