Athletes on Air:  Elena Verticchio – Women’s Golf

By Pia Perthen, Sports Editor

Spectators might have noticed a Women’s Golfer representing the Green and Gold hitting a small white ball precisely across the golf course at Lake Jovita, about five minutes away from Saint Leo University’s University Campus.

This talented golf player is Elena Verticchio—from Rome, Italy—who is currently enrolled as a master’s in business administration (MBA) student here at Saint Leo. Verticchio finished her undergraduate in marketing and a minor in leadership studies at the University of Maryland, where she also played four years for the women’s golf team.

“I always knew I wanted to be a business major because it gives you the knowledge and skills employers want and translates across many roles and industries,” said Verticchio. “Through minoring in leadership, I became a very open-minded person and a better leader. I always try to bring out the best abilities in my teammates and motivate them to work together towards a shared goal.”

From her past experiences, Verticchio has developed the motto “actions speak louder than words,” and she believes that people’s actions show their real attitudes and beliefs, rather than what they say.

“I love this motto because it keeps me motivated in school, at practice, and in life in general,” Verticchio said.

Verticchio works hard almost every week on the golf course for one to five hours of qualitative practice. Additionally, she tries to include two to three workouts each week to stay in shape and prepare for 36-hole-day tournament events.

Practice makes perfect, and it helped that Verticchio started playing golf at nine years old and that she grew up in a supportive environment, as her mom is a golf swing coach.

“My brother would play soccer with the other children while I started hitting balls on the range,” said Verticchio. “When I was ten years old, I got my first Cobra set of golf clubs and it is safe to say that I was the happiest kid in the world.”

Verticchio proved her solid golf skills at her first college tournament playing for the Saint Leo Women’s Golf team, where she shot an impressive eight-under-par in three rounds at the DBU women’s classics in Denton, Texas in September. As a team, the Lions placed third in a strong field with 16 teams.

“Going into the last round, I was fighting for the title,” said Verticchio. “It was a great tournament because I had so much fun with my teammates and Coach Greenwood and, even if my golf game was not the best, I was still able to shoot under par every round.”

Not only on the golf course but off the golf course, Verticchio’s mom plays a crucial role in her life. When asked for Verticchio’s biggest idol, she had no hesitation and named her mom right away. She has taught Verticchio many vital life lessons and has supported her in achieving accomplishments in life.

“My mother has taught me that nothing is impossible and has helped me overcome hard times in my life,” Verticchio said. “She is such an inspiration to me, and she sets high standards for the whole family.”

Even though it is only Verticchio’s first semester here at Saint Leo, she was able to form core memories and found her love for golf again due to the amazing practice facilities and her teammates, including Coach Lyndsey Bevill. The golf experience at Maryland and the great opportunities at Saint Leo will, among other factors, contribute to fulfilling Verticchio’s biggest goal of becoming a professional golfer and playing on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tour.

“Every day, I feel so happy and excited to practice and be with my coach and teammates,” said Verticchio.

She named playing the Saint Leo Invitational home tournament as her best memory at Saint Leo so far.

“We had so many people from Saint Leo volunteering and cheering for the team; it made me feel at home,” said Verticchio. “I had a great time with Coach Bevill and my teammates on and off the course.”

Apart from being a student-athlete, the graduate student enjoys painting, traveling, and exploring to get to know new people, places, and cultures.

“I am lucky because I traveled a lot because of golf tournaments. I have been to 18 countries, and I plan to visit more during the summer,” said Verticchio.

Verticchio’s advice for all college students is to maintain good time management, which will be the key to success while still getting the most out of the college experience. Consequently, she tries to make a schedule for the week to ensure enough time to rest and relax. Not only does Verticchio have the expertise to hit the little white golf ball in the hole, but she also knows how to keep the balance of her busy student-athlete life.

“College is all about the experiences and the connections that you build. I advise everyone to enjoy and treasure every day you have as student-athletes because it goes by so fast. Also, do not forget to listen to your body and take care of your mental health,” Verticchio said, rounding up an amazing interview with an intellectual and athletic young woman with great chances to achieve success in life.