Girls golf: Barrington's defending state champ Janess excited for her senior season

Mara Janess began playing competitive golf around the age of 11.

"I was still so young that I mainly played to have fun and compete," said the Barrington senior. " As I got older and became a better player, I knew I could take my game to a whole new level."

Janess took her game straight to the top of Illinois' high school golfers.

Just four years after taking up the game seriously, she became the first female golfer from Barrington High School to win an IHSA state title (tourney began in 1974).

Then a sophomore, Janess edged Glenbrook South junior Maria Perakis by 1 stroke on the first playoff hole in a playoff at Hickory Point Golf Club in Forsyth to win the 2019 Class 2A state championship under then first-year Fillies coach Tim Martin.

"It has been such a great privilege to coach Mara over her four years," Martin said. "I am so excited for her senior year. Michigan is getting a really good one."

Janess has committed to the Big Ten women's program in Ann Arbor.

"I am so thrilled to be a future Wolverine," said the 2020 Mid-Suburban League runner-up. "Michigan is such an amazing school, with a great team and amazing coaches. I couldn't be happier about my decision. At this time I am still unsure what I plan to study."

One thing is certain.

She is one of the best to play the game at Barrington.

"Mara is a great ambassador for the Fillies' golf program," Martin said. "She is a natural leader who really cares about her teammates and helping them be at their best as golfers and people. Mara has taken our younger players under her wing to mentor them and show them what being a part of the Fillies golf program is all about."

Janess' work ethic in practice is invaluable.

"She sets the tone for our team, and her high character, warmth and genuine care for her teammates has set the foundation for a very positive team atmosphere," Martin said.

That's exactly what Janess loves about the high school game.

"Winning state was definitely my greatest thrill in high school golf so far but making lifelong friendships with my teammates is my favorite part of high school golf," she said.

She never even dreamed about winning a state title at the age of 15 two years ago.

" I knew there were so many great players in the field that year but I was confident I could keep up with them," Janess added. "Winning state gave me a boost of confidence and motivation to work harder. It meant a lot to me. It motivated me to work harder and prove that I can compete with the top players, but also showed me that all of my hard work is paying off."

She plans to continue that hard work this season and in Ann Arbor.

"My future goals are to take my game to the next level and be the best college player I can be," she said. "I have worked very hard to get to where I am and will continue to push myself to get even better."

Martin is convinced that will happen.

"Mara is the ultimate golfer," he said "She is outstanding in all areas of the game and thrives under pressure. Her incredible power and distance off the tee gets the most attention, but she has an extremely well-rounded game. She has a deft touch around the greens with a very accurate putter.

"Beyond her amazing golf skills, Mara can really think her way around a golf course and make good decisions under pressure. She loves to compete and challenge herself against the best players."