East County Athlete of the Week: Emily Storm

Emily Storm is a sophomore on the Lakewood Ranch High girls golf team. Storm was the medalist (37) at the Mustangs' Aug. 26 match against Southeast High, held at The Links at Greenfield Plantation. Storm also finished tied for 51st (84) at the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 3A state tournament as a freshman in 2022, the seventh-highest finish for a freshman at the event.

When did you start playing golf?

My dad (Gene Storm) started me when I was 3 years old. I played a lot of different sports over the years, but I fell in love with golf.

What is the appeal to you?

Well, I love winning. I love the competition of golf and I love gaining muscle and adding power to my swing. Also, it's a sport where you don't get hurt as often as others. 

What is your best skill?

I would say my driver. I'm a strong athlete, and I can hit a golf ball around 240 yards. I like testing how far I can hit it. 

What have you been working to improve?

This summer I worked on gaining muscle and strength. I also worked on my short game and my putting.

What is your favorite memory?

I sank a hole-in-one when I was 10. My family lived in Chicago at the time. (Storm moved to Lakewood Ranch three years ago). I was playing at Chicago Highlands Club and I got it on the No. 4 hole. There were some local golf pros there watching, so that was a cool experience for a 10-year-old. 

What are your goals for the season?

I just want to include everyone on the team in everything and become a better golfer, person and leader. Next year I'll be one of the older players on the team and I want to be ready. 

What is your favorite food?

Since I'm from Chicago, I love a ribeye steak. 

What is your favorite movie?

I love the whole 'Mission: Impossible' series, especially 'Fallout' and the new one ('Dead Reckoning Part One'). 

What are your hobbies?

I like to stay active. I like to go to the beach. I like to go swimming. And I like to watch football or other sports on TV. 

Which superpower would you pick?

I would want to read people's minds. It would be nice to know what people are thinking. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Drives are for show, but putts are for dough. You can drive the ball 250 yards onto the fairway and put yourself in good position to get onto the green, but you still have to make a putt for anything to count. A putt for birdie can become a putt for bogey (if you keep missing). 

Finish this sentence: "Emily Storm is … "

… Competitive.