Photo by: Andrew Pedersen
Elliott Makes Most of Busy Life as an MSU Student-Athlete
2/20/2019 6:24:00 PM | Women's Golf
Delaney Elliott helps lead the Bobcat golf team to go along with many interests as a student-athlete at Montana State
Montana State returned to the golf course last week at the Battle at the Rock for the spring portion of its season. The last couple of months, MSU's team has been confined to practicing indoors due to the Montana winter climate.
Junior golfer Delaney Elliott felt the effects of the time away from the course.
"I was just nervous, we hadn't been playing outside," Elliott said. "I was 8-over or something bad through my first nine holes. Then I went 1-over during the final nine. Once I got comfortable, I was much better. It's all about relaxing. Sometimes, I get worked up or nervous if I'm not playing well off the bat."
Her lackluster start led to a round score of 81. Elliot's turnaround on the final nine holes paved the way to efficient scoring over the final two rounds. Her response was back-to-back rounds 74 and 75 to finish tied for 45th overall and tied for first in the Bobcats' lineup.
Over the course of her career, Elliot has battled staying consistent. Elliott described herself as an emotional person, which at times can be detrimental on the course. In golf, athletes are on an island. There is no time to take a break and mentally regroup. No matter how poor a golfer is playing, they have to finish their round by themselves.
"Golf is so mental," Elliott said. "You have to be so mentally strong it's exhausting. I'm a very emotional person and can be quick to anger. You can't get like that in golf. I have a hard time coming back from a bad season or a bad stretch of tournaments, I get very down on myself which burns you out."
Elliott is one of Montana State's leaders on the course. Last season she recorded the 13th lowest scoring average in MSU's history. Her average score during her sophomore season was 77.7. Her freshman year, she sunk her first hole-in-one during a tournament. Her impressive golf successes are somehow dwarfed by her interesting personality and experiences off the course.
At Monarch High School in Superior, Colo., Elliott was a member of the school's golf team, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Young Life and she volunteered at Flatirons Community Church. Elliott's motivation for making time for all her extracurricular activities is simple – she pursues her interests.
"I just had a lot of things I liked to do and still do," Elliott said. "I've always like to be involved. I like to be with people, I'm pretty social. I lead Young Life right now which is a big-time commitment. If you want to do something, you can find time if you prioritize life well."
Elliott's interests include an aspiration to teach. At MSU, Elliott studies elementary education and special education. She spends her mornings helping in a kindergarten classroom at Bridgeview Elementary in Belgrade.
Teaching has been second nature to Elliott. Growing up, teaching was always a part of who she was. She recalled building a classroom in her parents' house so she could pretend to teach. Her main pupil was her younger brother.
"Since I was young, I've always wanted to be a teacher. I have a younger brother and I always liked to help him. I taught him how to ride his bike. He would struggle with homework and I'd sit down with him when I was in third grade to help him. It's always been in me to help and teach."
Elliott's variety of interests as a collegiate athlete, Young Life leader, prospective teacher and a student has stretched her time thin. Over the course of her many experiences, she's built quite the friend group. At times, it's not possible for Elliott to participate in all of her interests and still have a social life.
But, she recognizes the opportunity she has to be able to compete as a Division I student-athlete.
"I love what I'm doing," Elliott said. "I get a different experience I wouldn't trade for anything. But, it's a give and a take. I'd be so sad if I wasn't golfing, but sometimes, it can be hard to miss out on things my friends do."
Elliott and the Bobcat golf team return to action this Saturday when Montana State participates in the GCU Invitational in Phoenix, Arizona.
Junior golfer Delaney Elliott felt the effects of the time away from the course.
"I was just nervous, we hadn't been playing outside," Elliott said. "I was 8-over or something bad through my first nine holes. Then I went 1-over during the final nine. Once I got comfortable, I was much better. It's all about relaxing. Sometimes, I get worked up or nervous if I'm not playing well off the bat."
Her lackluster start led to a round score of 81. Elliot's turnaround on the final nine holes paved the way to efficient scoring over the final two rounds. Her response was back-to-back rounds 74 and 75 to finish tied for 45th overall and tied for first in the Bobcats' lineup.
Over the course of her career, Elliot has battled staying consistent. Elliott described herself as an emotional person, which at times can be detrimental on the course. In golf, athletes are on an island. There is no time to take a break and mentally regroup. No matter how poor a golfer is playing, they have to finish their round by themselves.
"Golf is so mental," Elliott said. "You have to be so mentally strong it's exhausting. I'm a very emotional person and can be quick to anger. You can't get like that in golf. I have a hard time coming back from a bad season or a bad stretch of tournaments, I get very down on myself which burns you out."
Elliott is one of Montana State's leaders on the course. Last season she recorded the 13th lowest scoring average in MSU's history. Her average score during her sophomore season was 77.7. Her freshman year, she sunk her first hole-in-one during a tournament. Her impressive golf successes are somehow dwarfed by her interesting personality and experiences off the course.
At Monarch High School in Superior, Colo., Elliott was a member of the school's golf team, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Young Life and she volunteered at Flatirons Community Church. Elliott's motivation for making time for all her extracurricular activities is simple – she pursues her interests.
"I just had a lot of things I liked to do and still do," Elliott said. "I've always like to be involved. I like to be with people, I'm pretty social. I lead Young Life right now which is a big-time commitment. If you want to do something, you can find time if you prioritize life well."
Elliott's interests include an aspiration to teach. At MSU, Elliott studies elementary education and special education. She spends her mornings helping in a kindergarten classroom at Bridgeview Elementary in Belgrade.
Teaching has been second nature to Elliott. Growing up, teaching was always a part of who she was. She recalled building a classroom in her parents' house so she could pretend to teach. Her main pupil was her younger brother.
"Since I was young, I've always wanted to be a teacher. I have a younger brother and I always liked to help him. I taught him how to ride his bike. He would struggle with homework and I'd sit down with him when I was in third grade to help him. It's always been in me to help and teach."
Elliott's variety of interests as a collegiate athlete, Young Life leader, prospective teacher and a student has stretched her time thin. Over the course of her many experiences, she's built quite the friend group. At times, it's not possible for Elliott to participate in all of her interests and still have a social life.
But, she recognizes the opportunity she has to be able to compete as a Division I student-athlete.
"I love what I'm doing," Elliott said. "I get a different experience I wouldn't trade for anything. But, it's a give and a take. I'd be so sad if I wasn't golfing, but sometimes, it can be hard to miss out on things my friends do."
Elliott and the Bobcat golf team return to action this Saturday when Montana State participates in the GCU Invitational in Phoenix, Arizona.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Golf
Thursday, September 27
Tuesday, September 25
Tuesday, September 25
Tuesday, September 25
