Athlete of the week is Sayville's MacDonell

The feat

Won the state golf championship, shooting a 73-73, a 2-over-par 146. Tied for first going into the 17th hole, she parred 17 and birdied 18 for the win at SUNY Delhi last week. The week before that she shot 82-76 for a 158 at Sunken Meadow State Park, leading Sayville to the Suffolk team championship. She was one of 18 state qualifiers from Long Island. This was her third trip to states after she finished tied for 11th as a sophomore and tied for 12th as a junior. MacDonell was named to this year's All-Long Island team.

The quote

"I tried to play my own game and I trusted my swing," MacDonell said. "I stayed focused, unemotional and had a stoic presence."

Fundamentals

MacDonell started playing golf the summer before seventh grade and has found strength in her ability to internalize emotions and remain unaffected by bad or good swings. She has a calm and quiet demeanor and is focused on improving her short game. She looked forward to her coach's motivational talks before matches saying, "he always had the perfect words to inspire me."

What's next

SEE PHOTOSHigh school sports -- June

MacDonell will be attending Harvard in the fall and plans to study physics and hopes to walk on to the golf team. This summer, she will play in several tournaments.

The lightning round

Favorite golf memory? "Winning the L.I. championship this year with my team when it did not seem possible," she said.

Favorite TV show? "Colbert Report."

Favorite movie? "Zoolander."

What's on your iPod? "Everything, a lot of classical."

Favorite store? H&M.

Favorite subject? Physics.

Favorite food? Salmon.

Favorite pro athlete? Tom Watson.

Favorite place to vacation? Vermont.

Dream car? "Any car!"

Dream job? "Anything that makes me happy."