Orange Lutheran senior Charlene Woo was 12 years old when her mother introduced her to golf, a sport that started as a way to spend time with her family. After finding success in junior tournaments, Woo began competing more seriously and soon discovered that golf was truly her sport.
"I think golf has inspired me in so many ways, not just as a person and athlete, but overall in my faith as well," says Woo. "It's taught me a lot about self-discipline, and not just representing myself, but the team as well."
Woo is a member of the Lancers' historic 2024 CIF-SS Division 1 championship team and feels blessed to be part of a group that is not only highly skilled but also encouraging.
"Our identity is not based on our results and who we are on the course or in our academics, but rather we're rooted in Him," says Woo. "We're just so lucky to be able to call Him our Father and He is able to call us His sons and daughters."
As a senior co-captain for the Lancers, Woo holds deep respect for her teammates and strives to recognize each player's unique strengths and gifts. What she loves most about playing for OLu is the strong team dynamic that is rooted in Christ.
"Charlene is a dedicated friend, teammate, golfer and Christian," says OLu girls golf head coach Dustin Boburka. "She is determined to show the love of Christ in all that she does. I couldn't be more proud of the individual that Charlene has become."
Although golf can feel isolating at times as an individual sport, the community Woo has found through the game has taught her valuable life lessons, including one of her favorite mottos: the most important shot is the next one.
"You can't dwell on the past; you have to learn to let go and stay in the present," says Woo. "In life, mistakes can happen, but what truly matters is how you respond to that."
In an effort to grow the game for the next generation, Woo volunteers her time helping younger golfers with their swings and putts. She also has a passion for music and is an accomplished cellist and pianist who has performed at the Colburn School and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
After graduation this spring, Woo is headed to Claremont McKenna College where she will compete in collegiate golf and pursue a pre-law track. She aspires to work in family law, with a focus on advocating for minorities and women. She is passionate about supporting those who may feel unheard, while sharing God's love and guidance.
Woo considers her parents to be her most significant role models as they encourage her to keep a positive mindset and to enjoy every moment of the journey.
"They inspire me to stay positive and remind me that if I'm not winning, I'm learning," says Woo of her parents. "They remind me to stay present and just be super grateful, and I'm super grateful that I have parents that are loving as well."
In golf, and in all other aspects of her life, Woo leans on her faith and is confident that God is leading her in the right direction.
"No matter what happens, God is taking me to the best place where I can be," says Woo. "The days I play well, I give glory to God, and even the days that I don't play well, I give thanks to God for teaching me and letting me grow as a person.
"I believe that God loves me and knows me the best, so everything will be alright. I remind myself that my identity is not in my golf game or my academic endeavors, but rather in Christ and how I have the privilege of being called His daughter."
