Oklahoma State University Athletics
Caroline Hedwall Becoming The Latest Swedish Sensation For OSU
February 25, 2010 | Cowgirl Golf
Feb. 25, 2010
When it comes to women's golf, Sweden has been very good to Oklahoma State and the Cowgirl golf program.
Swedes Maria Boden, Pernilla Lindberg, Karin Sjodin, Linda Wessberg and Emma Zackrisson all polished their games stateside in Stillwater before moving on to the professional ranks.
The 2009-10 edition of Cowgirl golf is anchored by the next in the long line of talent from the European nation in sophomore Caroline Hedwall.
Despite coming to OSU with an impressive list of credentials that included a spot in the 2008 Women's British Open as well as extensive experience as a member of the Swedish National Team, immediate success for Hedwall was not a certainty.
The transition to college can be difficult for any freshman, much less someone dealing with cultural barriers. For Hedwall, she had an additional obstacle to overcome. She and her twin sister, Jacqueline, made the decision to attend different schools, separating the sisters for the first time. While Caroline made the decision to don the orange and black, Jacqueline opted to enroll at LSU.
"We went to school all the way through high school together. That first semester was different because I didn't meet her the whole fall," Hedwall said.
Even though the decision to go different directions was a difficult one, Hedwall says the move was for the betterment of both sisters on and off the golf course.
"We both said from the beginning that when we go to college we want to split up. That was just a good time to do that," Hedwall said. "We realized that there are always people comparing you. It is almost like you are the same person. It is good to get away from that person. I miss her a lot of course, but it has been good because we have both developed as people."
While leaving her sister proved to be difficult, Hedwall was not without a touch of home. Last year's squad included two Swedes in seniors Karin Kinnerud and Lindberg. Sjodin also resides in Stillwater and spends significant time at Karsten Creek around the team as well.
"It is a long Swedish tradition. I knew it was a good place to come. It was just clear that I wanted to come here. The facilities and everything are so good here," Hedwall said.
Having a strong Swedish presence no doubt provided a comfort zone for Hedwall while she adjusted to life in the U.S.
"It is good for me because I like to speak Swedish some in person and it is good having Swedish people here," Hedwall said. "When I first came over, I could ask questions in Swedish until I got comfortable, because I could understand it. Everything was so new to me."
Despite winning her collegiate debut and earning first-team All-America honors as a freshman, the soft-spoken Hedwall was not content and may very well be her own worst critic.
"I am usually not satisfied with the way I play. Even though I won a tournament, I wanted to win more than that. That was my goal," Hedwall said.
As a sophomore, Hedwall has already won twice, including her recent triumph at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic earlier this month that included a second-round 65. Her results are in correlation to her growth as a player and a person.
"I am just more mature and plan my time better," Hedwall said. "I think it is the same with my game. It is more mature and I think I know more about my game. I can trust it more than before. I know that even if I have a bad day I am still going to end up around par and when I have a good day I am going to be around minus-5."
Being the lone player on a roster that includes Hedwall and five freshmen, she has embraced the role of team leader and helps maintain the program's lofty goals. Winning the squad's third-straight Big 12 title and a return trip to the NCAA Championship remain the goals for Hedwall and Co.
"Winning the Big 12s is a goal as both an individual and as a team," Hedwall said. "Also, making it to the NCAAs. With a young team, that will be a bigger challenge than last year."
