The Finnish Disc Golf Association just named the best Finnish disc golfers of 2017 and the list includes one of Discmania's rising stars. Anna-Sofia Haipus was awarded Breakthrough Player of 2017. The 18-year-old from Ähtäri, Finland burst onto the Finnish Disc Golf scene last year as her PDGA rating rose from 790 to 894 in a matter of months.
"Something Went Right Last Year"
Haipus says being named Breakthrough Player of the Year is quite an honor, "These kinds of honors are telling me that something went right last year. Of course it gives a lot of motivation for next season too. Big thanks to everybody who has been with me and helped me during the season!"
Anna-Sofia Haipus Likes to Compete
Haipus took down her first professional win in June at the Mukkula Open before finishing in third at the Finnish Nationals.
"I really like competing so I will compete as much as possible. I love to challenge myself on the course," Haipus stated regarding the upcoming season. "This season I want also take part of bigger events, like Konopiste Open. My main goal though is to have an awesome season, including new courses, new friends, and new experiences. Hopefully, I will find myself on the podium too."
Run Over Challenges!
The entire Discmania organization is thrilled for Haipus and it already seems one team member is making an impression.
"They used to say, 'Don't run away from challenges, run over them.' It works if you trust yourself. And like Eagle [McMahon] says, keep on dreaming!"
With a bright future ahead of her, it's safe to say, keep an eye out for the name Anna-Sofia Haipus. 2017 was only the beginning.
