Jacqueline Smith wins Golf District Championship while spreading positivity and confidence

The Kofa junior spreads positivity, confidence and competitiveness en route to a District Championship

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Kofa's Jacqueline Smith became Yuma's golf King Thursday morning after shooting a career best 84 en route to a District Championship at Mesa Del Sol Golf Club.

After winning the District Championship for the second year in a row, the junior was emotional over her victory.

"I did everything I could to make my dreams come true," Smith said. "I got a text from my coach, Amanda, my old coach, wishing me luck. I know you can win this and do this again one more time and I answered 'I will, and we will do this again and this is for you coach,' so I did this for her. And I did this for my family and I did for myself too, and I did this for Coach Jensen."

After years of hard work and a mindset centered on positivity, the junior has transformed herself into the top female golfer in the county, and Kofa's Head Coach Jennifer Jensen, who started this year even recognizes how hard Smith works.

"I was always really impressed with her work ethic because I myself go out and practice a lot and you always see her out there," Jensen said. "I know this past summer she just spent hours out on the driving range and practicing her chipping all summer long."

Now that she won the District Championship, Smith will turn her attention to the State Championship on November 3 and 4 where she will represent Yuma.

"Anytime you see an athlete come from our small community and make it to the big stage, everybody in the community can be proud of it," Jensen said. "Doesn't matter the school, it's just about representing the community because we still do have good golfers here."

For Smith, golf is about more than winning trophies. It's about mental toughness and spreading confidence to others who may doubt themselves.

"When some people say you're not good enough, don't listen to them. Don't listen to negative people. Think about positive people saying that to you," Smith said. "So just never give up. That's why I'm going to make it to state."

With a positive attitude and relentless work ethic, Smith is swinging her way toward state and inspiring others to believe in themselves along the way.