The 2025 girls golf season was a season to remember, as the team reached sectionals for the first time in program history and a trip to state for one student in particular.
According to Head Coach Kelly Appleby, a lot of work goes into not just the season itself but also happens in the off-season.
“[Golf is] a skills sport. To be a good player you have to practice a lot, maybe a little bit more practice than many people would probably anticipate,” Appleby said.
To Coach Appleby, the girls handled the pressure of tough competition well.
“I think for some of them it was new. At a couple tournaments [when] we started to get near the top of the leaderboard, they struggled a little bit early on, but I think having had those experiences earlier in the season helped us in regionals to [sectionals],” Appleby said.
The dedication paid off as the team made history, breaking new ground for the girls golf program.
With nine years of competitive golfing under her belt, senior Olivia Morgan served as the team’s steady and encouraging voice. To Morgan, who has longly looked up to her father and brother as golfers, this season was more than just her last season.
“Being the only senior meant a lot to me. I wanted to set a good example and make this season special for everyone,” Morgan said.
Her leadership helped shape the team’s bond on and off the course.
“I tried to always encourage everyone and help the younger girls feel confident and included. I’ll never forget being part of a team that special,” Morgan said.
For Morgan, one of the highlights of the season was watching freshman Lola Appleby shine on the biggest stage as she placed fifth at state.
“My favorite moment this season was watching Lola at state. To see that all her hard work [was] paying off was amazing,” Morgan said.
“During the tournament, I just wanted to do my best and really show others what I could do. I tried to only focus on one hole at a time, take it step by step, and stay relaxed the whole time,” L. Appleby said.
For Appleby, though, her goal was not always for personal success, it was about sharing the experience with her teammates.
“The whole high school season, I knew making it to state was my goal,” she said.
“Once we got to regionals, it started to feel real. My goal in regionals was to not only make it through by myself, but the whole team. I wanted to be able to share the sectional experience with everyone,” L. Appleby said.
While Appleby’s individual success stood out, she credits her teammates for keeping the season positive.
“Being on a team especially when it’s usually an independent sport was so fun, and I liked not only playing for myself but for my team and whole school,” L. Appleby said.
For Morgan, the season was the perfect way to end her high school golf career.
“I’ll miss the team bond the most, all the laughs, van rides, and memories we shared,” she said.
“My advice to next year’s team is to enjoy every moment and make the most of it because it goes by faster than you think,” Morgan said.
