Faces off the Field: Ally Black, senior golfer, Westlake
What is your best memory playing golf at Westlake?
My freshman and senior years at state were highlights for me. Being on the state championship team my freshman year and third individually last week were big accomplishments. It was super fun to start and end my high school career on high notes.
Has golf taught you any lessons you apply to daily life?
Golf has taught me that you have to fail in order to succeed. It is a game with a lot of ups and downs. It has prepared me to know that in order to be successful I am required to work hard, persevere and do things others might not want to do.
For you, what is the hardest shot to hit?
Tough question, but I would say it is the shots when you start to get out of your comfort zone — like going on a birdie run. These situations really test your mental game, staying in the moment and not getting too amped up.
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I hear you have exciting college plans.
The University of Virginia was my No. 1 choice of schools as they checked all the boxes. Great athletics, amazing academics and a golf team culture that felt so much like a family. After my official visit and getting to meet the team, I couldn't wait to be a Cavalier. I plan to major in political science and minor in psychology and possibly go into law school.
Outside of sports, what will you remember most about your four years at Westlake?
Definitely, the true friendships I made and the teachers that challenged us to learn. Westlake is a great school that I feel confident prepared me for success at UVA both in the classroom and socially.
If you could have dinner with four people in the history of the world, who would they be?
I will pick Taylor Swift, my granddad (former Texas basketball coach Leon Black), Teddy Roosevelt and Harriet Tubman.
Why Harriet Tubman?
She's my favorite historical figure who has an incredible life story.
Tell me something about you that most people don't know.
Most people don't know that I love to read and am super interested in true crime. Many of my favorite books and shows are mysteries and I enjoy attempting to solve the cases before the characters.
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Do you have any golf rituals?
My ritual before my tournaments is to try to do all my grinding and mental prep the weeks before. This has allowed me to just enjoy playing golf, have fun and not getting stressed out.
What has been your favorite vacation?
When my dad (Jason) and I went to tournaments, we'd always go on an adventure. I had one tournament where I played 54 holes in two days followed by a trip to Virginia. We went to Syria (Va.) for a hike in the Shenandoah Mountains. Little did I know it would be a six-hour hike. I walked just under 40 miles. And yes, I still like hiking.
Rick Cantu
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Westlake golfer Ally Black will play in college at Virginia
