Hasbrouck continuing success in California

Published 12:00 am Saturday, January 6, 2001

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. – A change of scenery did not stop the Leisl Hasbroucks winning ways on the golf course.

Hasbrouck, who helped Riverside to the Class 2A boys golf state title last May before moving to Southern California, led the Aliso Niguel High School girls golf team to the conference title this season. The team went 17-1 in the regular season and 8-0 in conference.

Hasbrouck won the Southern California PGA Girls Championship during the summer and said in a local newspaper she would help lead the high school team to the conference and state championship. That was a strong statement from a freshman about a team that went 8-10 last season and finished last in the conference with one win.

Hasbrouck nearly accomplished both goals. Aliso Niguel placed second out of 550 schools in the state championships. Hasbrouck was named to the first- team all-Orange County team along with three other all-Orange County girls who were ranked in the top 100 in the world. She was a medalist in 14 of the 18 regular season matches she played. Her season scoring average was 37.95.

Hasbrouck was the medalist by seven strokes and the MVP at the conference championship tournament. She was also co-conference MVP for the year. She placed seventh or higher in all the postseason events, including the state championships.

Hasbrouck was chosen as the Aliso Niguel High School Athlete of the Month for October. She broke every record which existed in girls golf at the school. Hasbrouck was the teams MVP and scoring leader and was one of five selected to the schools scholar athlete program with a 3.50 grade point average.

Hasbroucks and the teams performance helped head coach Wayne Westling be selected by ESPN as the National High School Coach of the Week in mid- October.

“When a player comes into the district, they have to prove themselves, especially to me,” Westling said.

“I heard Leisl could play. She shot 38-35-38 to make the team. With her leadership and take-charge attitude, I didnt hesitate to name her a co- captain, something basically unheard of in high school sports in California. She backed up her words with her playing ability.”

Hasbrouck, who was granted four years of full eligibility after discussion between the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and the California Interscholastic Federation, hasnt forgotten the Riverside team she let behind.

“Having the opportunity to play for coach (Elizabeth) Torres at Riverside got me ready for the girls team here,” Hasbrouck said. “The girls here work hard year round and they can play.

“My thoughts and wishes for the guys at Riverside this coming year is another state championship for Brett (Bergeron), Michael (Schoen), Loud (Steve Luminais) and Mikey (Lozano).

“Guys, dont take anybody for granted. You are the best boys team in Louisiana but everybody will work hard to beat you. It can be done, dont let it happen.

“At the start of the season we decided to work hard to be the best and just look at what happened with my Lady Wolverines.”