Jacobs’ Natalie Zimmerman Shines as Athlete of the Week

Junior golfer Natalie Zimmerman from Jacobs High School has been named the Athlete of the Week by the Northwest Herald after a remarkable performance in recent tournaments. Zimmerman helped lead her team to its first-ever Fox Valley Conference (FVC) championship, finishing as the runner-up with a score of 82 at the tournament held at Crystal Woods in Woodstock.

Following this achievement, she secured seventh place with an 86 at the Class 2A Boylan Regional held at the Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Country Club in Rockford, which enabled her to advance to the sectionals alongside her teammate, Kate Maurus. Zimmerman’s impressive performances stood out among other nominees, including Nick Kyes from Richmond-Burton boys soccer, Jordan Cheng from Marian Central girls golf, and Tyler Samaan from Burlington Central.

Reflecting on Team Success

When asked about the significance of winning the FVC championship as a team, Zimmerman expressed her pride. “It meant a lot to me when my team won the FVC championship because I remember in seventh grade watching a Jacobs girls basketball game and looking at all the different sports banners and what they have accomplished,” she shared. “The girls golf banner was blank. I remember telling my dad that when I got to high school, my team was going to win conference. I can’t wait to see 2025 on the banner.”

Zimmerman’s journey in golf has been filled with memorable moments, particularly highlighting her performance at Randall Oaks, her home course. “My favorite memory and moment from this season was when I made my final putt to shoot a 1-under-par 35,” she noted.

Inspiration and Passion

Zimmerman credits her teammates for inspiring her as they constantly encourage each other to improve. “All my teammates inspire me a lot! We all push each other to get better every day,” she said. Among her favorite courses to play is Prairie Landing, where she appreciates the unique challenges each hole presents.

Outside of golf, Zimmerman cherishes her acoustic guitar as her most prized possession. She enjoys cooking, stating that her perfect meal consists of homemade wings with honey barbecue sauce, homemade fries, and a glass of milk.

When it comes to professional athletes she admires, Zimmerman looks up to either Nelly Korda or Caitlin Clark. Her pre-tournament ritual includes a specific breakfast of “Egg in a frame,” two pieces of bacon, and a glass of orange juice, while she has a superstition about placing her ball marker in her right pocket.

Dreaming big, Zimmerman hopes to travel to Scotland one day to play on some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses. Reflecting on her love for the sport, she emphasizes the friendships she has built over the years and the closer relationships she has fostered with her sister and father through golf.

As her high school career continues, Zimmerman remains focused on achieving more milestones and creating lasting memories both on and off the golf course.