Mikala Jungmeyer said after her two years in college, she learned time management is very important when it comes to being a student-athlete in college.
Jungmeyer, a former golfer at Russellville, is on the women's golf team for the Columbia College Cougars.
"Being a college athlete takes a lot of time and effort," Jungmeyer said. "To be successful in the classroom and on the golf course, you really have to prioritize your studies and practice."
Jungmeyer was named to the All-State team in all four of her years at Russellville, where she was a two-time district champion.
Jungmeyer said she has a passion for golf and she started to play the sport when she was 10 years old.
"Golf has given me some great opportunities," Jungmeyer said. "In the past, I got to represent Team USA at The Down Under International Games in Australia and Hawaii. I was chosen to represent team MO at three Southern Cup Matches. I was MGA and LOJGA Female Player of the year, District Champion, and All-State. All the above prepared me to compete at the college level."
Jungmeyer said she gives both the classroom and the golf course all she's got and she tries to avoid stressing herself out.
She decided to go to Columbia College because she felt the school and the coach would challenge her to be the best student and athlete she could be.
"My hard work, along with great support from my parents, my professor, coach, Cougar friends, and golf team, has paid off," Jungmeyer said.
After her freshman year during the 2016-2017 season, Jungmeyer was named the AMC NAIA Freshman of the Year. She was also the Runner-Up at the AMC Conference Championship and was named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll.
Last year, Jungmeyer dealt with an injury after she tore her hip labrum and needed to have surgery. Despite the set back the injury caused, she was able to play both in the fall and spring seasons.
Even with coming back from the injury, Jungmeyer was named to the NAIA Champion of Character Team, which is based off of the core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and leadership. She was also named to the Academic All-Conference Team, the Second Team All-Conference, the Athletic Director Honor Roll, and the Dean's List.
This summer Jungmeyer is working with youth golf camps at Oak Hills. She wants to help the youth and feels like she can do that through golf.
"I'm staying focused on my future as a human service counselor, helping youth make good choices, helping youth stay away from drugs and alcohol," Mikala said. "I'm hoping to reach the youth from golf."