Driver in hand, Zoe Jiamanukoonkit (11) swings her way to November’s female Athlete of the Month. As a prominent athlete on the school’s varsity girls golf team, Jiamanukoonkit makes waves.
“I feel honored to be recognized for the hard work I have put in for golf,” Jiamanukoonkit said.
Her motivation and positive attitude have taken her to placing 2nd individually in the CIF Regional Championship, as well as taking home the school’s CIF state title this year. With many rankings and awards under her belt, it is no surprise that Jiamanukoonkit will take her skill to the University of California, Berkeley, where she will play Division I golf and further her academic career.
“Managing academics and golf is not easy, but I think what got me through is trying my best not to be lazy and keeping in mind that it will all pay off in the end,” Jiamanukoonkit said. “I have to shift my focus around; some weeks I need to put more time into practice when I have a tournament, other weeks when I need to prepare for a test, I focus more on academics.”
Her hardwork has also influenced her teammates.
“Zoe has inspired me and motivated me to play as hard as I can in every situation and continue when things are rough,” Zoe Salinas (10), girls varsity golf team player said. “Every time I am having doubts about anything she is quick to reassure me and make sure I am okay.”
As skillful as she is, her CIF state and regional wins have not been her only recents achievements. Jiamanukoonkit recently won the 2025 Challenge Cup Championship as a part of Team South at Poppy Hills.
All this success does not come without hard work and persistence.
“I workout 1-2 times a week, practice at the [golf] course around 3-4 hours on weekdays and weekends,” Jiamanukoonkit said. “I spend about 5-7 hours on the course and practice.”
With practice and hard work comes skill, and with skill, goals are reached. Jiamanukoonkit, like any hardworking Falcon, desires to make it big.
“My biggest dream is to play on the Ladies Professional Golf Association tour after finishing college,” Jiamanukoonkit said.
Jiamanukoonkit puts in the time and has the drive, but what about passion?
“I was inspired by professional Thai golfers at a young age, so I pursued golf at a competitive level,” Jiamanukoonkit said. “When I first started playing tournaments, it was challenging, but overcoming those obstacles made it a fun and interesting game.”
Jiamanukoonkit attributes her dad as “the best coach in terms of golf and in life skills.”
“Pressure is something that I find difficult to manage, since it is unpredictable and messes with my brain in tournaments,” Jiamanukoonit said. “However, with the advice of my dad and my many years of experience, I feel like I can keep myself calm in high pressure tournaments.”
Jiamanukoonkit is prominent in the golf scene. Her talent reflects off the many successes she achieved along with her goals for the future.
“If you want to reach a certain dream or goal, you need to work for it and not give up,” Jiamanukoonkit said. “There will be tough times, but in the end, if you push through, you will be closer and closer to achieve that dream or goal.”
