News Summary

Senior golfer Olivia Cordes from Pine Island/Zumbrota-Mazeppa (PIZM) is gearing up for her final class 2A state golf meet on May 29. After a strong showing at the section meet with an impressive total score of 167, Olivia is determined to achieve a personal best in this pivotal tournament. With aspirations to continue her golf career at Bethel University, she’s focused on enjoying the moment, drawing on her early passion for the sport instilled by her grandfather. As the only senior on her young team, Olivia’s leadership and experience will be invaluable.

Pine Island Buzz: Olivia Cordes Gears Up for Her Final Golf Tournament

The city of Pine Island is buzzing with excitement as senior golfer Olivia Cordes prepares for what will be her final class 2A state golf meet. This talented athlete from Pine Island/Zumbrota-Mazeppa (PIZM) has qualified for the big event, which kicks off on May 29, and she’s ready to make her mark.

Climbing the Ranks

Olivia had a strong showing at the section meet, finishing fourth with scores of 83 and 84 for a total of 167. This impressive performance not only extended her high school career by two weeks but also fueled her passion for the game even more. Despite reaching the state meet for the third time, Olivia isn’t one to rest on her laurels. She’s continuously striving for improvement, showcasing her dedication and competitive nature.

A Real Challenger

Olivia plays to win, whether she’s on the golf course or just having fun playing cards at home with family. Her competitive spirit has definitely been a driving force and, according to those close to her, is reflected in her stellar performances in previous state meets. She made it to 37th place as a sophomore and improved to 27th last year. This year, she is aiming for a personal best and is determined to rise even higher.

Preparation and Timing

Olivia is scheduled to tee off at 8:02 a.m. on Tuesday at the scenic Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan, and she’s focused on balancing her urge to compete with the simple joy of playing. For Olivia, the goal is to enjoy every moment of this important tournament rather than just stressing about her performance.

Roots of Passion

Her journey in golf can be traced back to her grandfather, who got her started in the sport when she was just a kid. This early exposure has led to numerous accolades, including being named to the prestigious 2025 Minnesota Miss Golf watch list and earning the title of 2025 Hiawatha Valley League individual champion. Not to mention, she’s recognized as a Class 2A All-State player, consistently ranking among the top 20 players in the state.

Team Dynamics

Interestingly, Olivia is the only senior on her team, surrounded by five talented juniors who are proving that the future of the PIZM golf team is bright. This young team dynamic adds an extra layer of excitement, as Olivia’s experience can be invaluable in guiding those who will carry the team forward in the coming years.

A Bright Future Ahead

Looking beyond high school, Olivia is set to take her talents to Bethel University in St. Paul next year, where she plans to continue playing golf. She’s looking forward to being part of a faith-based community that aligns with her personal values. Olivia has been putting in hard work and dedication since seventh grade, boasting an impressive spring season average score of 80.29, the best in southeastern Minnesota.

The Mental Game

One of the key factors to Olivia’s success has been her mental game. Over the years, she has shown tremendous growth in handling tough situations on the course, bouncings back from errant shots with grace and composure. Although her seventh-grade season was cut short by the pandemic, she quickly adapted to a varsity role when she entered eighth grade, demonstrating early on that she was a force to be reckoned with.

The Final Hurdle

As Olivia looks forward to her final state meet, her mindset is all about having fun and making memories. While competitive spirit naturally drives her, the excitement of participating is what she wants to focus on this time around. This may be her last high school golf tournament, but it’s clear that Olivia Cordes is ready to leave her mark as she swings into the future.

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