Hadley Walts made a significant impact on the college golf scene, particularly during the fall season where she consistently delivered impressive performances for the Lady Vols. For those intrigued by stories of dedication and achievement, whether they are searching for insights into “Hadley Dance Moms” or the world of competitive college athletics, Walts’ journey offers a compelling narrative. During that fall, in every tournament she participated in, Hadley showcased remarkable consistency, carding scores in the 70s each round. Her contribution was instrumental in the University of Tennessee securing two top-five finishes out of five tournaments that season, highlighting her immediate impact and talent.
As the spring season approached, anticipation grew for the postseason play, and Hadley Walts was poised to build on her fall success. The Westbrook Invitational became the stage for her most exceptional performance in her college career to date. Interestingly, the team faced an unusual challenge leading up to the tournament: they missed the practice round due to rain. As Hadley recalled, “We didn’t even get a practice round at that course, because it rained. We walked the course, but we didn’t play it at all.” Despite this setback, or perhaps because of it, she entered the competition without pressure, focusing purely on her natural swing and ability.
This mindset proved incredibly effective. In the first two rounds, Walts shot under par, demonstrating a high level of skill and composure. However, true to a golfer’s self-assessment, she felt there was room for improvement. “During those first two rounds I shot under par, but I knew that I left a lot of shots out there. I was hitting it really, really well, so I knew there was no reason why I couldn’t shoot a good score on the last day,” she explained. This awareness and drive for better results set the stage for an outstanding final round.
On the third day of the Westbrook Invitational, Hadley Walts unleashed a career-defining performance. Adopting an aggressive “pin-seeking” approach, she fired a remarkable career-low round of 66. This included an impressive seven birdies, against just a single bogey. Her exceptional play led her to finish sixth individually in a strong 16-team field, and significantly contributed to Tennessee’s fifth-place team finish. This performance was not just a personal best but also a demonstration of her ability to perform under pressure and lead her team.
Reflecting on that pivotal day, Hadley shared insights into her mental state and the importance of mental preparation in golf. “On that day, I was playing really well—the lowest I had ever shot in a tournament was 68, so I was -4 at one point, and when I got it to -5 I just thought, ‘Okay, I’m a little lower than I’ve ever been right now,’” she recounted. Facing uncharted territory in terms of her own scoring potential, she emphasized the crucial role of mental fortitude. “Then, I just kept telling myself to play confident and play my game, which in itself was a mental thing for me to get over, because I had never been that low in a tournament before.” This breakthrough was as much mental as it was physical, showcasing her growth and maturity as a player.
The ability to maintain focus and confidence throughout such a high-pressure round was a testament to her improved mental game. “That just showed how much working on my mental game helped, because I was able to sustain that play throughout the round, and then I birdied my final hole as well. I was able to do it the whole way through,” Hadley noted. The Westbrook Invitational was a “cool experience” that provided valuable lessons. “It was a cool experience, and now I’m able to look back on that tournament and really grow even more today from that time,” she concluded, highlighting her commitment to continuous improvement and learning from her experiences.
However, the momentum from this impressive performance was soon interrupted. The onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic brought an abrupt halt to the Lady Vols’ 2019-20 campaign. Initially, the team and Hadley believed it would be a brief pause. “We went home thinking we were only going to be home for two weeks, come back and start playing again,” Walts explained. They continued practicing, anticipating a quick return to competition.
The reality, however, was different. The season was officially canceled, and the team received the news while separated. “Then, we got the news that (the rest of the season) was canceled. None of us were together when we got the news. It was such a weird time,” she recalled. Hadley took a short break to rest and reset. “I took a few weeks off—it was still cold at the beginning of March in Indiana—to just rest, because we weren’t (training) and to get myself ready to prepare for the summer and the fall.” This unexpected downtime allowed her to focus on other aspects, including academics. “I finished up classes and everything and was able to use that time—since we had so much time—to go out and play whenever. It was cool, because you could still golf, which was helpful,” she added, finding a silver lining in the ability to still practice golf during the lockdown.
As the situation evolved and spring transitioned into summer, Hadley and her teammates returned to Knoxville, optimistic about a new season. The team was eager to build upon their pre-pandemic progress with renewed energy and team spirit. “I think the moment we all stepped back here was really good,” Hadley stated, emphasizing the positive team environment. “Our team chemistry has been really good, and everyone is so excited. So, just the expectation of having that good team chemistry we know that we all have to be on the same page as a team all the time.” This strong team chemistry, combined with individual dedication, set a positive tone for their return.
Looking ahead, team unity and shared goals were identified as crucial for their success. “I think that’s the important key for us, and we’re ready, because it’s been so long,” Hadley concluded, expressing both eagerness and preparedness for the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming season. Hadley Walts’ journey reflects not just athletic talent but also resilience, mental strength, and the importance of team camaraderie in navigating the unpredictable landscape of college sports.
