By: Abigale Paterniti, Staff Writer
Helen Yeung, a River Hill senior and county wide phenomenon for her various accomplishments in the game of golf, has made the first swing from Hawk to Tar Heel. Officially, Helen committed to UNC (University of North Carolina). Helen remarks upon UNC’s many redeeming qualities, commenting, “Besides the Carolina Blue, I chose to attend UNC for the extensive opportunities.” Helen excels in both education and golf, and believes that UNC will help pave the way for her.
Helen’s many talents will no doubt carry her to even more auspicious heights. From the age of 10, Helen started playing competitive golf. Introduced to the game by her uncle, her natural talents quickly grew, and from there Helen’s love for the sport flourished. “After hitting my first pure shot on the range, I fell in love with the game. I wanted to play the sport because it offered me the opportunity to experiment with different types of shots,” Helen describes. Years of determination and love for the game of golf fostered incredible skill. In 2023, Helen won an AJGA (American Junior Golf Association) tournament, and was named the 2023 Rolex All-American. She also set a new State tournament record of 6-under par, 65. When Helen was asked about how she felt after setting this record, she remarked, “I was honored to set a new tournament record for states, as this is my last year representing River Hill.”
With this being the last year Helen attends River Hill, will the golf team be able to maintain their undefeated reputation? Helen is confident they will. “Coach Graves is amazing at what he does for the River Hill Golf program. Therefore, I am confident River Hill can win States next year for the third time.” The RHHS golf team will never be the same once Helen graduates, yet aspiring golfers such as Helen’s younger sister, Michele Yeung, are showing promise to be able to continue River Hill’s strong reputation in the game.
Michele follows in Helen’s footsteps. When asked about what she thinks of this, Helen remarked, “I am excited to see what she can accomplish in the future. It’s fun to see how much she has improved over the past years.”
Naturally, playing golf became second nature for Michele the same as it has been for Helen, because she “saw how exciting playing in tournaments was” and “wanted to be too involved in this unique experience as well.” From both Michele and Helen’s perspective, golf has been a pillar in their relationship for all of the memories made together through the time spent perfecting their craft. Inspired by her sister, Michele wants to pursue collegiate golf as well. Her aspirations include playing Division I, and continuing to build friendships with others in the golf community.
Not only Michele, but the entirety of the RHHS golf community will be left inspired by Helen after she graduates this spring, for her legacy “as being one of the best female golf players ever to walk the halls at River Hill,”In the words of Coach Graves, Helen’s coach of four years. He cannot wait to see what more she will accomplish. Beyond inspiring her teammates, Helen’s list of accomplishments over the past 10 years has defied expectations. She “has put River Hill girls’ golf on the map of Maryland” according to Coach Graves, but for Helen golf to her is a “great opportunity to inspire the next generation of female golfers,” and shares her hopes for “a greater female representation for the sport of golf.”