April 24, 2008
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In just two seasons, junior Jacqui Concolino has left an enduring mark on Vanderbilt’s golf program after earning All-America honors as a freshman and sophomore. A native of Orlando, Fla., Concolino finished the 2006-07 season as the highest-rated player in the SEC and the third-highest rated player in the country. She also owns the school record for the lowest individual 54-hole total (204) and is tied for the lowest 18-hole total (66) in school history.
On receiving All-America honors each of the last two years
It was a privilege, it really was. It is something that I always wanted to do. My goal at the beginning of the year was first team All-America and first team All-SEC. It is nice to get the accolades and be recognized for consistency and great play.
On earning medalist honors at the NCAA Central Regional in 2007 and helping the team to the NCAA Championships
That was huge. It was more of a thrill for me to see the team make it — because we didn’t make it my freshman year — than it was for me to win the tournament. It was a great accomplishment to win that tournament. It was a great win, and it was my first win of the season.
On the tournament being the most memorable of her career
Just to have the NCAA name on it is almost like making it to the Sweet 16 (in basketball) because that is how exciting it is and what the atmosphere is like at the regional.
On the area of her game she focused on improving over winter break
I struggled with my ball striking this past season. When I hit the ball well, I’m going to compete for the victory, individually, every week. I’ve really struggled with my ball striking, so I (worked) on that with my swing coach (Kenny Nairn) back in Orlando.
On how she got into golf
My grandfather (Joseph Concolino) took me out to the driving range when I was 10 or 11, and he saw a little bit of potential. He bribed me with ice cream or some sort of food to get me to go out and practice because I was young and stubborn, and golf wasn’t considered fun at the time. Golf has definitely changed the stakes. It is an athletic sport now. There are some great athletes that play golf, and it is a privilege to be around the people that I am.
On going to the course with her grandfather Tom O’Reilly
He was a cart attendant at a golf course, and he would have to go there at 5:30 a.m. to take out all the carts. I would go with him at 5:30 in the morning at 13 years old, and I would just practice until my dad picked me up at night. I would just stay there all day.
On playing soccer growing up
I was an avid soccer player, and I played on traveling teams. My first goal in life was to play on the women’s soccer Olympic team for USA.
On choosing golf over soccer
My grandfather (Joseph Concolino) passed away the summer before high school, and soccer and golf are the same season in Florida, so I had to give up one of them. I couldn’t play both. I chose golf, and I basically play golf in honor of my grandfather.
On playing for Coach Greg Allen
It has been great. We are still going through a transition period. He is so laid-back. He is a family man. He is very funny, and we have a great time when we are around him. He keeps us very relaxed on the golf course. He doesn’t stress out too much. It is great to have him as a college coach.
On the golf course she would most like to play
We’ve actually had the privilege of playing Cypress Point (Pebble Beach, Calif.) and it is an absolutely stunning golf course. It is the prettiest 18 holes you will ever play. It is quite a privilege to play there, and I would play there over anywhere.
On her favorite club in her bag
Driver because driving the ball, for the most part, is my bread and butter.
On her favorite part about going to school at Vanderbilt
The diversity. There are so many different people here from so many different backgrounds. I can say that I’ve learned more by the people I’m surrounded with than what I’ve actually learned in school. It is just a great social environment. The people here are brilliant and it is a privilege to go to Vanderbilt and not only represent them through academia but also through athletics.