Q&A with Wesleyan Senior Golfer Jada Richardson

To succeed in the challenging sport of golf requires hyper focus and drive. Wesleyan School senior golfer Jada Richardson has that in spades.

She was recently named one of Gwinnett Daily Post’s “Super Six,” which recognizes the top six athletes of each sport in Gwinnett County at the start of each sport’s season. She has put in a fair amount of time and effort to achieve excellence, not only her sport but in her future going forward, culminating in her signing to swing for Howard University.

Richardson’s wins in the sport are numerous, but here are a few accomplishments that show how she reached Super Six status: ■ State Coach Award (2019) ■ First Team All-County by the Gwinnett Daily Post (2019) ■ Team’s Most Valuable Player (2019) ■ 1st in HJGT at Chateau

Elan ■ 2nd in SJGT at Berkley

Hills Junior Classic ■ 4th in SJGT at Georgia

Club Classic ■ T46/85 in at Junior North and South Amateur ■ 31st/53 in GSGA Junior

Girls Championship ■ Top 5 in GA PGA Jr Atlanta

Junior Championship ■ Top 5 in GA PGA Jr Roswell Junior Championship ■ Top 20 in PKB at Walker

Course

We had a great conversation with Richardson about her exciting journey, so let’s take a look at that interview.

By Kelsey Asher

How would you describe yourself as a golfer? Richardson: I would say that I am a focused golfer.

What skills or traits do you feel make you a successful golfer? Richardson: I am accurate with my driver and irons.

What do you do to train? Richardson: I typically go out to the golf course and go through drills for each area of my game — putting, chipping / pitching, irons.

What do you like to do in your free time away from competition and school? Richardson: I enjoy traveling, hanging out with my family, little sister Kyla, friends, reading and listening to music. Has anyone acted as your mentor or inspiration? Richardson: I don’t really have a specific mentor, but I am inspired by the women on the LPGA Tour.

What made you decide that Howard University was the right school for you? Richardson: Coach Puryear’s reputation as a coach really drew me towards the school. I also felt like I would have great opportunities studying in D.C.

What would you say is your favorite memory competing in your sport? Richardson: It’s hard to narrow it down to just one, but my overall favorite memory is getting to play different courses during the summer with my friends. I really enjoyed getting to play in a tournament last summer in Savannah with some of friends from my home course.

What’s been your biggest accomplishment to date? Richardson: Winning a tournament last summer.

What study will you be pursuing in college and what prompted you to that field? Richardson: I will be studying international business. I thought this was be an interesting field because it combines other places around the world and business.

Good luck at Howard University, Jada Richardson! We know you will make us proud.■