Episode 10 | To The Mountaintop with Tina Mickelson-Topacio

In this episode of the "To the Mountaintop" podcast, Drew Schlosberg alongside co-host Kimberly Lodge, a junior at Patrick Henry High School, interview Tina Mickelson-Topacio, a professional golfer and teaching pro. Tina shares her experiences growing up in San Diego, her passion for golf, and her transition from gymnastics to golf. She discusses the importance of confidence, empathy, and the value of mentors like Jeff Johnson and Tom Addis. Tina emphasizes the significance of handling tasks independently and the impact of failure, highlighting her multiple attempts to pass the PGA playing ability test. Kimberly asks insightful questions, particularly about empathy and listening. The conversation underscores the importance of support systems, teamwork, and personal growth in both sports and academics.

Tina Mickelson's Early Life in San Diego

• Tina Mickelson-Topacio describes her childhood in San Diego as idyllic, with easy access to beaches and a small-town feel.
• She shares her experiences in the golf world, including playing at Presidio Hills Golf Club and developing a fast pace of play to get candy bars from the pro shop.
• Tina mentions her brother, who is 16 months younger, and her younger brother, with whom she plays golf now.
• Her father's passion for golf is highlighted as a significant influence on her and her siblings.

Role Models and Family Dynamics

• Tina identifies her parents as her primary role models, emphasizing their influence on her decision-making.
• She discusses her children's interests in sports, including her son's love for baseball and her daughter's interest in volleyball and gymnastics.
• Tina's husband is also an avid golfer, which she supports and appreciates for its positive impact on the family.
• Drew and Tina discuss the importance of having mentors and role models in one's career.

Academic and Athletic Experiences

• Tina explains her focus on gymnastics during high school and college, which she loved for its body awareness and nutrition benefits.
• She transitioned back to golf after her gymnastics career, realizing her passion for teaching the game.
• Tina shares a pivotal moment when helping a friend with his golf swing made her realize her desire to teach golf.
• She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong golf game to be respected as a teacher.

Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

• Tina identifies lack of confidence as a significant obstacle in her professional golf career.
• She discusses her strategy of "faking it until you make it" to build confidence and overcome self-doubt.
• Tina reflects on the importance of confidence in sports and how it affects performance.
• She shares her experiences of watching her brother, a top golfer, compete and the family support they provided.

Importance of Empathy and Listening

• Tina highlights the importance of empathy in sports and team environments, emphasizing its role in elevating performance.
• She discusses the difference between hearing and listening, stressing the importance of genuine engagement.
• Tina advises against preaching and being right, suggesting that effective communication involves understanding and respect.
• She praises Kimberly for her listening skills and engagement during the interview.

Mentorship and Professional Development

• Tina credits her mentors, Jeff Johnson and Tom Addis, for teaching her the true meaning of professionalism in golf.
• She emphasizes the value of having mentors with different perspectives to gain a broader understanding of the game.
• Tina discusses the importance of being a gentleman or gentlewoman in golf, highlighting the integrity of calling penalties on oneself.
• She reflects on the significance of empathy in various team environments, including families, companies, and task forces.

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

• Tina encourages students to think about how their actions can positively impact others and create a better environment.
• She praises Kimberly for her foresight in joining the golf team to support her school and teammates.
• Drew and Tina discuss the importance of highlighting and celebrating student-athletes.
• The podcast concludes with Tina expressing her support for the podcast's mission and the importance of athletics in youth development.

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As the national leader in local podcasting, Cloudcast Media proudly produces "To The Mountaintop" throught its SchoolCAST and PODucation platforms to help amplify, augment, and accelerate knowledge-acquisition for students while driving innovative new educational models.  Podcasts reflect the greatest up-to-date, mobile, and acce