Senior Vivek Yella steps up to the seventh hole at the Bayview Golf Course, feeling the ache in his back from an injury that prevented him from playing on the course for weeks. He swings, and the golf ball lands in the rough. A wave of frustration hits, but he takes a deep breath, refocuses and prepares for his next shot, determined to finish his match strong for his fellow teammates. 

Golf isn’t just a physical game: it’s a mental one. At times, Vivek could be out on the course for up to eight hours in a row, which challenged him to stay focused and handle fatigue. Each swing, putt and decision becomes a lesson for determination, handling obstacles and concentration.

“Golf is one of the most mentally demanding and mentally frustrating games because you have to be so precise,” Vivek said. “Even if you’re a little off, there can be a huge difference in your shot and the result. It’s a grind because things won’t go your way, you’re going to get bad breaks and you have to be very focused.”

During his sophomore year, Vivek suffered a back injury which kept him out for the season and derailed his aspirations to improve at golf. Moments like these became lessons in building his patience and show that his progress both in recovery and skills requires time and consistent effort. Even when setbacks occur, he refuses to let the obstacles define his steady improvement as a golf player. 

“Something I can take away from golf is being patient,” Vivek said. “It’s the same thing with the injury: obviously, it’s not going to heal in one day. It’s difficult because you can’t do certain things that you want to do, so you have to just be disciplined in the process so that you can get back fully healthy.”

Whether in academics or sports, Vivek hasn’t shied away from challenges and has grown to work on his hobbies with greater purpose over the past four years. Close friend senior Rishaan Thoppay reflected on the hardships that Vivek has faced over the years, emphasizing how he has consistently worked to overcome them. 

“I know he’s had his fair share of struggles, so he really puts in effort into trying to change that to try to move on,” Rishaan said. “He’s also gotten more dedicated to his school work, to going to the library and also to golf.”

Despite the pressure of constantly balancing academics, sports, and extracurricular activities, Vivek has maintained a clear focus on golf, committing himself fully to the sport he knows he values the most. Boys varsity golf Head Coach Ie-Chen Cheng highlighted his meaningful contributions to the sports program from his frosh year to his senior year.

“In golf, we always talk about how we really can’t cut corners in life because if you cut corners, then the only person you’re cheating is really yourself,” Coach Cheng said. “He’s really learned that it takes a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work to allow him to be the best person he can be.”

Community has always been a central part of Vivek’s growth, both as an athlete and student. He leans on the encouragement from friends while also uplifting those around him. 

“I definitely value my community because especially with the injury that I had, it was the support from my teammates, my coaches and even teachers that helped me get through it,” Vivek said. “Their encouragement kept me going in grim times. Knowing that other people are rooting for you makes a huge difference, not just in golf but in everything you try to push through.”

Beyond golf, Vivek has left a lasting impression on his teachers, coaches and classmates. Known for his kindness and thoughtfulness, he goes out of his way to connect with the Harker community. These gestures leave a lasting impact on the people he meets, like history teacher Chuck Witschorik, who accentuated the generosity he brings to every situation. 

“I remember seeing him sometimes on campus, and he would go out of his way to say ‘hi’ and that he was enjoying the class,” Dr. Witschorik said. “That shows kindness and shows thoughtfulness to our teachers, so I appreciate that too.”

Golf is more than just a game in Vivek’s eyes; it’s an opportunity to connect with others. Beyond the personal lessons, he values the tight-knit bond that comes with playing high school golf. He approaches challenges in school, friendships and personal goals the same as he tackles a tough game: by staying focused, learning from mistakes and persevering.

“In golf, if you hit a bad shot, you can’t just quit,” Vivek said. “You have to keep fighting, you have to keep playing, and in life it’s the same thing. If you get a bad break or something goes wrong, you can’t just stop. You’ve got to keep working hard and keep trying.”