Jirele is ready to defend her title
Owatonna’s Carmen Jirele putts a ball during the state tournament last season. Jirele said she’s been focused on her short game all off-season to help improve her game.
Reigning Class AAA individual state champion Carmen Jirele has had a whirlwind of a past year since shooting a 142 to win the title last June.
However, more than anything she’s ready to just get back to playing the game she loves.
“It’s still kind of settling in, especially when people talk to me. I’m still the reigning champion, so it’s fun having that title… I’m just looking forward to being back out there with the team. I love walking the course and just being outside playing,” said Jirele.
With the season underway, Jirele is already showcasing what another off-season of hard work has done for her game.
According to her, the majority of her training has been focused on “the short game.”
“I’ve worked on it a lot and I think it’s one of the most important things in golf that people don’t work on enough or ignore. I’m always out on the course working on that. The putting green is a great way to get work and you don’t have to pay for it,” said Jirele.
While all her competitors will certainly be fixated on her season results, her 2024 state title has also brought in some additional attention.
College coaches have become familiar with her game and have begun reaching out showing interest in Jirele potentially golfing for their program down the line.
“I’ve been talking to a few colleges. Some Division One teams… It’s pretty cool and a little overwhelming at times, but I’m really thinking about it and excited about it,” said Jirele.
According to her, the two teams that have reached out the most are the University of St. Thomas and the University of South Dakota.
Despite the collegiate interest, Jirele’s sights are focused on the immediate goal: helping her team win.
The Huskies have been off to a strong start winning multiple meets and showing promise to be one of the section’s top competitors.
“I think everyone this year is super dedicated because we have a lot of great golfers, and nobody wants to lose their spots. We have a bunch of girls who can all really play and so I think that we’ll show that on the scorecards,” said Jirele.
The Owatonna girls’ next meet is the Big Nine Conference Tournament scheduled to be held at Rochester Northern Hills Golf Course on Thursday, April 24 at 10 a.m.