As a golfer, Mailen Domecq Chantry works tremendously hard, mentally, physically and patiently, to hit the tiny white ball.
Born and raised in Argentina, Chantry started playing golf at the age of 11. She was influenced by her older brother, who encouraged her to play.
In addition to golf, Chantry also played basketball for six years, handball for three years and soccer for three years as well. Not only is she diverse in her athletic abilities, but she has also in golf as she had five top-10 finishes in tournaments in South America. Her achievements include a high of third place at Brisas de Chicureo in August 2013 at the International Tournament of Chile and fourth place at Copa de Oro in Mar del Plata, Argentina in January 2014.
A freshman, Chantry plans to major in either sociology or anthropology and play golf professionally after college.
I was able to sit down with Chantry and get to know her better.
What do you plan on doing after college?
“I want to live in Europe for the experience.”
What has been your most memorable moment?
“It was when I won the two nationals. I was very proud that my parents were there and that I could share my win with them.”
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
“My father is the most influential person in my life because he’s always there whenever I need him.”
Did you come to the U.S. before coming here for school?
“I came here just for college. I played a tournament in the U.S. before, but I didn’t live here.”
What do you like most about golf?
“I like the competition of course, and it’s a sport that you really have to love in order to come to practice every day.
How do you think golf is different from other sports?
“It’s different because you play individually, but at the same time you’re part of a team. You have to have that mental toughness to be able to play. You don’t have teammates that can help you out when you’re stuck.”
When is a time you felt most proud of yourself?
“It was when I won two nationals when I was 15-years-old.”
Who’s your favorite golfer?
“Tiger Woods.”
Do you have any special rituals before games?
“I always listen to music before a game.”
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
“I would love to go to Australia; it has always been my dream.”
How do you celebrate winning?
“Usually, right after the game I meet with the group, and we say ‘1, 2, 3 Sharks,’ and at night we sometimes have dinner together or go for a drink.”
How do you deal with losing?
“I think losing is actually a good thing. You realize that you have to practice more, and it’s a chance for you to find out what you need to improve. You wouldn’t win if you didn’t lose. We lost last weekend, and now we know that we are behind, and that means we need to practice more and do our best.”
What do you miss the most about being away from home?
“I miss the food and my family.”
Do you plan on going back home?
“I don’t know yet. I am a freshman, so I don’t know how plans will change. I’m going back for the summer, of course, but it’s winter there.”
Do you have any other personal goals?
“I want to learn to speak English more fluently and maybe pursue a master’s after college and to win nationals, of course.”
Mailen Domecq Chantry is a freshman golfer who wants to major in sociology.
Photo Credit: COURTESY OF J. FRAYSURE
