2021 Northwest Herald Girls Golfer of the Year: Burlington Central’s Maya Gusciora

Burlington Central’s Maya Gusciora had to regroup in a hurry after a difficult finish in the Class 2A Belvidere Girls Golf Sectional at Timber Pointe in Poplar Grove that left her in a three-way playoff for the final two spots at state.

“I just started crying because I was doing so well, and those final three holes, I just couldn’t finish,” she said.

The Rockets senior took it one shot at a time, making par on the first playoff hole and earning the program’s first state appearance since Josie Kurosky went in 2014 and 2015.

The next weekend at state, Gusciora made the Day 2 cut and ended her high school career on a high note with a two-day score of 84-81-165.

Gusciora also won the Fox Valley Conference Tournament individual championship by six shots with an 82 and was the end-of-season co-FVC points champion. She was the only local girls golfer to qualify for either the 1A or 2A state meet.

For her accomplishments, Gusciora was voted the Northwest Herald Girls Golfer of the Year by the sports staff with input from area coaches. Prairie Ridge senior Elizabeth Tucker, who won the McHenry County Tournament individual title, won a Class 2A regional individual title and was a four-time sectional qualifier, also was strongly considered.

Gusciora, who is the first Rockets golfer to win the award, spoke with sports writer Alex Kantecki about her favorite memories from the season, the emotional roller coaster of qualifying for state, her career dreams and more.

Do you have any rituals or superstitions before you play?

Gusciora: I have a routine that I go through that consists of my check marks, which is my grip, my turn and my proper follow-through without dropping my shoulder.

What is your most prized possession?

Gusciora: All of my all-conference medals and, this year, the [FVC] medalist plaque that my school made me and gave to me at our end-of-the-year banquet.

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

Gusciora: My favorite TV show is “Friends.” With Christmas is coming up, I like watching all of the Hallmark movies with my mom and sister. But my favorite Christmas movie is “Home Alone.”

If you could change one thing about golf, what would it be?

Gusciora: I would love for golf to be more inclusive for women and more available for everyone to try and play. I plan on making golf my career, and I want to make a difference in that area. I would like to focus on empowering women to pick up the game that has changed my life forever.

What is one of your biggest pet peeves?

Gusciora: People biting on their silverware. And I can’t stand slow play on the golf course.

What’s the best piece of coaching advice you’ve ever received?

Gusciora: Trust your instincts and don’t second guess yourself or allow someone to change your approach.

How were you feeling before the playoff at sectionals?

Gusciora: I was definitely nervous because my last three holes [in regulation] weren’t so great. But I was excited to learn that I still had a chance to go to state. All I did was focus on the task at hand and take it one shot at a time. That was one of the best feelings. It was a goal of mine for the past four years to get to state.

What would be your dream job?

Gusciora: I plan on going to college to become a PGA professional, and I hope to attend Florida Gulf Coast University. Being a female PGA pro would open many doors for me. I want to become a head pro and teach women and little kids.

Who is your favorite professional golfer?

Gusciora: Tiger Woods.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?

Gusciora: My family isn’t really big on Thanksgiving, but I like sweet potatoes with cranberry sauce mixed in.

Who has had the biggest impact on you as an athlete?

Gusciora: My dad [Jack Gusciora]. He’s always believed in me and always pushed me to become the best player and person I could be. My coach Rachel Teresi had a strong impact in my early playing years. She made the game fun and taught me my fundamentals. And my current coach, Rich Flores, has made an impact on me and helped me get to this point.

Which teammate inspires you?

Gusciora: My sister [Natalia] has inspired me. Playing with her has been something I was looking forward to for years. Seeing her get better this season also brought a lot of inspiration. I hope she continues to play and make her mark on the sport.

Do you have a most memorable shot or round?

Gusciora: That would be sectionals because that was a complete roller coaster. I started off great and was on pace for one of my best rounds until the last three holes. But I was glad to keep my composure and make it to state.

Which teammate makes you laugh the most?

Gusciora: [Sophomore] Ariana [Riep]. She always has a smile on her face and always brings positivity to the golf course. She knows how to make people laugh and have a good time.

What was the best part of the state golf experience?

Gusciora: Having my dream fulfilled and getting to experience it with my family, including my grandparents. This was their first time watching me play golf competitively, so that was really fun.

What is the top golf course on your bucket list?

Gusciora: Medinah Country Club or Mayakoba in Mexico.

What’s the hardest part about golf?

Gusciora: Every shot is different, and you’ll probably most likely never have a similar lie. The physical part is hard, but the mental aspect is the toughest to overcome – not allowing your last bad shot to dictate the next one.

What will you remember most about your high school career?

Gusciora: My amazing teammates I’ve met over the past four years, both at my school and the people that I’ve competed against. I’ll also remember all the accomplishments and progress I’ve made, and obviously making it to state.