SPORTSINK.COM PHOTO

Jessica Porvasnik has been a starting member of the Highland girls golf team since her freshman season. This is the 2009 Highland girls team, including Porvasnik, far left. She was state runnerup in 2010 and the Hornets placed fourth as a team. This year, she finished sixth and the team placed third.

Highland junior golfer Jessica Porvasnik is the SportsInk.com Athlete of the Week for Oct. 16-22.

The outstanding golfer finished sixth last weekend in Columbus in the Division I State Championships. Porvasnik shot a final-round 72 to make up for a slow start where she ended the first day at 15th. Porvasnik shot an opening-round 81.

The Highland team finished third and graduates two seniors from this team.

Porvasnik was named second team All-Ohio with her 0 handicap this year.

“We have a great team and great seniors,” she said. “Coach Becker has really put us in a great position to succeed.

“When one team mate is playing well we feed off that or if one is struggling we pick up our other team members."

Golf started at a young age for Porvasnik as her Aunt suggested the sport to her. Porvasnik took lessons, attended golf camps and was very excited to hear that her school had a golf program.

“She is truly a great golfer as her whole game has improved as she has grown,” said Highland golf coach Mary Becker. “Her mental toughness is outstanding and she has all the shots in her bag."

Porvasnik worked this past off-season on her putting and second shots. “I know that is where your game is won and lost," she said. "So I spent a lot of time working on those areas."

An excellent student, she carries a 3.8 GPA and plans on a career in accounting.

“I just love the game, it's great,” Porvasnik said.