Alex Hanz was three years old when his father took him out to the driving range to hit some balls. He instantly loved golf, and although he played other sports growing up, he found his way back to the links. As a rising senior at Servite High School, Hanz loves the challenge the sport provides.
“Some days you can be amazing, and the next day you [struggle],” says Hanz. “You never know what’s going to happen. It’s always a challenge to try and get better every day.”
The three-year varsity golfer knows that while golf is a very individual sport, there is nothing like coming together as a team to work towards a common goal.
“I try to focus on doing the best that I can, giving it all to try to help out my team,” says the 17-year-old. “It’s different because you’re not interacting with your teammates when you’re playing. But when you’re all together as a team and you help each other win, it feels good.”
The Friars have been winning plenty in recent years. This past spring, Hanz contributed to the school’s sixth consecutive Trinity League title and was named 2nd Team All-League. The Fullerton resident also shot a team low 70 (-1) at Santa Anita Golf Course to help Servite secure their third consecutive CIF-SS championship.
“Alex is a fine young man and has shown great improvement in his three years with us in the golf program,” says Servite golf head coach, Dane Jako. “He is an exceptional student, and we are very blessed to have him in our program for another year.”
Hanz cites the mental game as his biggest challenge out on the course, and he knows that perseverance is at the top of the list in lessons learned from the sport.
“You could be playing bad, and all of a sudden – you just need one or two good shots in a row – and you do really well,” says Hanz. “Keep your attitude good and try as hard as you can. Eventually it will turn around for you.”
Away from the course, Hanz serves his local community through participation in the Fullerton Service League of Boys. He enjoys being outside and connecting with nature, and you’ll likely find him fishing in his free time. He would like to continue to play golf at the collegiate level, alongside majoring in an area that aligns with his love for the outdoors.
Hanz credits his family, specifically his parents, for instilling in him a relentless work ethic. And in navigating the ups and downs he experiences while he golfs, Hanz turns to his faith to help calm his nerves.
“We always pray as a team,” says Hanz. “If we’re nervous before a match, it helps calm us down. It unites us. We know that no matter what, we will be fine if we stick together and trust in God.”