Naperville North Senior Addyson Ciganek, has accomplished an incredible feat by becoming the first ever back-to-back regional champion for the North Varsity Girls’ Golf Team.
On October 1st, with a final score of 75, Ciganek became a regional champion again after achieving the exact same score the year prior to win the title.
Throughout her senior year, Ciganek helped to be an example to all of her teammates through her position as captain. Golf is known for being a lonely sport, but Ciganek personified what it means to be a team player by leading through example and bringing her team up with her. Fellow Senior captain, Ellie Grapenthin, commented on Ciganek’s leadership style.
“She’s a very supportive teammate who always lifts everyone up no matter what. She’s also a really good leader who sets a really good example for not only the oldest people on the team but also the youngest,” Grapenthin said.
Ciganek’s golf journey began when she was eight years old and at first, she only did it for fun. She didn’t start competing seriously until her freshman year at NNHS where she discovered a love for the sport. Both her older brother, Jackson Ciganek, and her dad, Todd Ciganek, inspired her golf journey as Jackson played for North before he graduated in 2022. When Ciganek joined NNHS, her family transformed into not only her inspiration but also into her support system. Ciganek explained how her family has been there for her over the past 4 years.
“They are the most supportive people I have because they are always bringing me to tournaments, getting me the coach I need, and supporting me through giving me words of encouragement,” Ciganek said.
What makes golf different than other sports is that the main season is during summer. Therefore, Naperville North athletes have to find outside coaches and opportunities if they want to be recruited to play at the collegiate level. Ciganek knew early on that she wanted to commit to a NCAA Division 1 school. To achieve this goal, over the summer, she practiced six days a week for four hours a day and over the winter competed in a variety of tournaments. Head varsity girls’ golf coach Greta Williams noted Ciganek’s work ethic.
“She is extremely competitive and focused. She is really good at making goals and achieving those goals and I think that’s the best part of her as an athlete,” Williams said.
Cignaek achieved her dream and plans on continuing both her academic and athletic career at the University of Dayton.
