This week’s SuperJitt Spotlight belongs to Stefani Cannon. Stefani is one of the up-and-coming golfers in Southwest Florida. She’s currently a junior competing for Parrish Community High School. During her sophomore year Stefani helped her team become the school’s first to win a district title, regional title, the Donald Ross Invitational, and place ninth in the FHSAA state finals.
Stefani excels on the golf course, but more importantly in the classroom. She has been in gifted programs since 1st grade beginning with the G.A.T.E (Gifted and Talented Education) program at Brentwood Elementary. She was also placed in the Hawks Academy for Gifted and Advanced Studies at Mcintosh Middle School, as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Riverview High School. She currently has a 4.0 GPA, and completing dual enrolment courses for the University of South Florida.
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What inspired you to play golf?
I used to play basketball for the Manatee PAL Youth League, but I had to switch teams due to a scheduling conflict. I really didn’t want to and decided to play golf after playing a lot of miniature golf with my dad.
When did you start playing?
I started learning the game in February of 2018, and began competing a year later for the Sarasota PGA Jr. League
What would you say is the strongest part of your game?
The strongest part of my game is driving, as I can get a good distance most of the time.
What part of your game do you say needs work?
Staying focused and keeping my composure while actually playing can be difficult sometimes, but I’m working on it.
What moment stands out when you think of what you’ve accomplished up to this point?
At the Donald Ross Invitational, I was struggling on the front nine. I maintained my composure and bounced back on the back nine helping my team win the tournament by one stroke.
Are there any players that you follow or have a lot of respect for?
Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson are legendary players. I got a chance to take picture with both of them. Nelly at a training facility, and Lexi at a golf tournament. They were both down to earth.
How do you balance the pursuit of greatness academically and athletically?
Education has never been that hard for me. It’s just something that came easy with hard work and staying focused. My grades will always be my priority.
What subject area do you prefer to learn about?
I prefer learning about writing, as I’ve always been good at making up stories and using vocabulary effectively.
What advice would you give to a young person aspiring to play golf?
No matter how hard it gets, stay true to it because this is a game that resembles life. It has its ups and downs, but it teaches you how to overcome them. If you stay true to it, you’ll be great
What advise would you give a kid that wants to do better academically?
They need to make sure they prioritize studying, completing homework, and doing well on test. It’s also important to make time for family and friends as well, because they’ll never get that time back.
Do you have a role model, and if so, who is it?
I may be a little biased, but my role model is rap artist J. Cole, because he’s humble, stays true to himself in his music. He’s an artist that doesn’t charge for features, which shows he’s not just after money.
What helps to get you through a hard day?
Music helps me get through a hard day, and keeping in mind that the day could always be worse.
What should the world know about Stefani Cannon?
The world should know that I’m coming to take it by storm, and soon, in about five years.