"She knew she had to change how much dedication she had toward academics and she did," said her coach, Kevin Ralbovsky. "This year she has a 3.6 (grade-point average). She really turned it on, secured the scholarship to Arizona and she's happy as a clam."

Wilson won the first women's major of 2004 by two shots over defending champion Stephanie Kono, who also shattered Lori Castillo's 21-year-old record of 216. Kono is not playing Jennie K. this year so she can practice for Monday's U.S. Women's Open local qualifier.

Ralbovsky says Wilson got her academic wake-up call at last summer's U.S. Junior Girls tournament, when Arizona State backed off on its scholarship offer.

Ever since, "I've just worked hard at it," Wilson says of her academic game plan. Her cumulative GPA is now over 3.0.

Her golf is not on the same plane. Since last year, she has changed her swing to get more distance, and had foot surgery. She is still recuperating.

"My swing is good now," she says. "I just need more time on the golf course."

She tied for second yesterday at the state high school championship, where she has never finished out of the top five, and won her second state team title. Among Wilson's other golf achievements are two Waikoloa Open A flight titles and an appearance in last year's U.S. Women's Open, where she qualified as an alternate.

When she shot up the 54-year-old record book at Jennie K. last year, Wilson's short game was brilliant and she barely missed a fairway. She also enhanced her reputation as a "grinder" by overcoming the relentless Kono the final day.

That reputation has been further enhanced, in a very different environment, over the past school year.