Simpson sisters appear in Sports Illustrated
November 7, 2002
Senta Willenborg, a junior golfer at Simpson, has found herself in the Oct. 28 issue of Sports Illustrated.
Willenborg was recognized along with her sisters for all winning the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference individual championship at each of their respective times at Simpson College.
For those of you that didn’t get to read this month’s magazine yet, Willenborg was placed in the section “Faces in the Crowd.”
“I was really shocked when I found out,” said Willenborg. “I didn’t tell anyone because I wasn’t sure what to think about it, but it was cool to see it in the magazine.”
“My sisters thought the whole thing was pretty exciting too,” said Willenborg. “They said thanks to me we all three got recognized.”
The Willenborg sisters got recognized for their achievement because of Simpson’s Sports Information Director, Matt Turk.
“Turk sent the story in,” said Willenborg. “He thought that it made some sort of history that three sisters had won the conference tournament, so he wrote to Sports Illustrated and they agreed.”
According to Sports Illustrated, Leah, the oldest of the three, won the tournament four times between the years of 1992 and 1995. Hannah took her two titles in 1996 and 1999.
Willenborg’s goals for this past season included playing more consistent than the previous season.
“I didn’t feel I had been playing consistent,” said Willenborg. “I also didn’t expect to win the tournament, but when I got inside I realized I had.”
“I personally feel it was a great accomplishment,” she said. “And I’m glad I could help out the team.”
For next year’s season Willenborg will be stepping her goals up a notch. “I know I’m capable of winning the tournament, but I also know there are a lot of great players in our conference.”
Willenborg feels it’s more of a team award than a spotlight on her individually. “I hope to keep my average down and help the team to a great season this fall,” said Willenborg.