After becoming Western State Conference player of the year, the women’s golf individual state champion and the City College female athlete of the year, Asaka Sim still feels like an underdog.
Asaka describes herself as a mediocre high school golfer whose competitive drive has led to her unparalleled success in her first year of intercollegiate competition.
“Coming out of high school and not really being a star player on the team, I didn’t expect anything,” Asaka said. “I just worked hard in the summer. I guess it paid off.”
Her competitive relationship with her team member and older sister, Sumika, has pushed the duo to a new level, according to Asaka. However, Sumika describes their sibling rivalry a little differently.
“She is actually way more competitive than I am,” Sumika said. “She pretty much kicks my butt.”
Asaka got off to a slow start this season failing to medal in her first couple matches, but her lack of success only added fuel to the fire.
“Nobody worked harder than she did this season,” Sumika said. “She will go play 18 holes by herself, she’s super competitive and wants to win.”
Asaka played on a successful women’s golf team at Dos Pueblos high school. Her team won the CIF North Division last year with a perfect 15-0 match record.
This year Asaka led the City College women’s golf team to a 44-1 match record, while winning eight of nine WSC meets.
According to Sumika, not winning every time has led to Asaka’s drastic improvement. Her contagious work ethic and disdain for defeat affected the entire team.
The City College women’s golf team has been dominant in recent years, winning the state championship in two of the last three seasons.
“I think City College is a great stepping stone,” Asaka said. “My teammates are irreplaceable and they are really fun.”
Asaka will be back next year as she attempts to build upon this season’s success and continue City College’s recent supremacy in women’s golf.
After next year she is considering any four-year university that offers her a scholarship.
