East County Athlete of the Week: Donovan Plakyda

The success continues for the Lakewood Ranch High boys' golf program as the Mustangs won their fourth consecutive Region 3 title Nov. 4 in Lutz. Donovan Plakyda, a junior, finished tied for fourth overall and carded a team-best 73 at Heritage Harbor Golf and Country Club to pace Lakewood Ranch to a team score of 307, which was three strokes better than Sarasota. Plakyda, who earlier won the district championship, is the East County Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start playing golf?

I started golfing when I was in eighth grade, so about three years ago, and I played baseball competitively. I've always been on the shorter side, so I always knew baseball time was coming (to an end), and I'd always go out golfing with my dad (Jack Plakyda). I've been kind of decent, so once my love for baseball fell through, I just picked up golf. I've loved the competitiveness of it, the grind and always seeing (myself) getting better.

What were your goals entering your junior season with Lakewood Ranch?

I honestly just wanted to be on the starting five. I wanted to play in every tournament, and then I just started playing well in every single tournament. Then my goal went from making the starting five to being the No. 1 seed and the person that everyone on the team could rely on.

You've dropped 14 strokes since your freshman season, what was the process behind that?

That just goes along with my work ethic. I've always seen the potential in (myself). My (swing) coach, John Hulbert, has always told me that he's seen the potential. Whenever we can, we're working on my game. My workout trainer, Tyler Hosey, has made me mentally and physically stronger. Seeing my potential and what I could become helped with my confidence.

What's been the focus for you in practice?

Being more accurate with my irons, and giving myself birdie putts and chances.

What do you hope to get out of your team's performance at the state tournament (at Howey-in-the-Hills) on Nov. 11-12?

I'm playing some good golf right now and I have high expectations for myself. For the team, I want to do the best I can for them, and for individual, I want to be in that top-five range to finish.

When you're not golfing, how do you lie to spend your free time?

If I'm not golfing, I'm either working out or studying for the SAT.

What's a piece of wisdom you once heard that you've never forgotten?

Something my dad always taught me is to be mentally strong — the mental game is most of the battle. If you've got the mental game figured out, then everything else is easy.

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would it be and why?

Probably Kobe (Bryant), but he died. I'm big on mentality and I think he (was) the perfect person.

If you could have any superpower, what would you choose and why?

Time travel. Just to get to places quicker and use every second as an opportunity to get better.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now for a vacation, where would you go and why?

Japan, because I know the golf there's beautiful. It's traditional there and just different from the U.S.

What's your favorite meal?

I love Chipotle. I've got a bad addiction.

What's your favorite movie?

Top Gun. My dad was a pilot, so I've always grown up around planes and stuff.

What's your favorite music?

I'm a big Drake and Led Zeppelin guy.

Finish this sentence. Donovan Plakyda is...

Always willing to put in the work. I'm always driven. I've always got a goal, and once I'm on a goal, I stick to it.