Written By: Owen Weems, Staff Writer
DETERMINATION: The tenacious girls golf team are resolved to make the most of their golf season, despite some major changes to the team dynamic.
The Poly Girls Golf team dominated their competition during the previous 2022 season. With the help of some incredibly talented seniors, juniors, and underclassmen, they were able to stay undefeated in their league matches and even advanced far into the CIF tournament. It was an amazing season for the team that catapulted them all the way to Division 2. Coach Chavez, one of our math teachers here on campus, made his debut as the golf coach of the girls team the year prior, and is returning “[his] second year” as the coach.
Sophia Luna at a golf match.
Chavez was selected to be the golf coach through a very interesting turn of events. Mr. Schulty, the previous golf coach on campus, knew of Mr. Chavez’s golf hobby. This led him to one day “[approach Mr. Chavez] in the parking lot” of Poly and ask him to help coach the boys and girls golf team. Mr. Chavez, loving both golf and working with students, took him up on this offer. His love for golfing was fostered by his father, who golfed vivaciously in Coach Chavez’s childhood, which got Coach Chavez involved in the sport later in his life. He’s excited for what is to come and hopes that he can lead the team to another league title.
As for the team dynamic, it has been impacted due to losing lots of graduating seniors last year, but a group of committed and excited underclassmen have signed up for the challenge. “[They] had 12 girls join the team this year,” more than they have had in many years. With all the new players, many of which are freshmen with very little experience, there are many adjustments that the team and Mr. Chavez have to make. Typically, the team has a small roster, but those that have joined have had more experience in the sport. But this year is different. Many of the new players “are brand new to the sport of golf,” requiring “lots of hands-on coaching and lessons.” This year will be a learning experience for all. Coach Chavez will have to adapt to the skill levels of the individual players and “coach the newer, inexperienced players” in a way that is new to him. Many of the girls need to learn technique and form for the first time this season. It will be a new dynamic for the golfers and coach to adjust to.
Our girls golf team driving it home!
Despite some players being inexperienced, the girls are excited and hopeful for the season to come. The juniors and seniors are determined to defend their league title in the more challenging division, while the underclassmen are prepared to work hard and improve to become vital members of the team. So far this season, they have had friendly matches against teams like Yucaipa, which they have won or been close to pulling out ahead, but there is still a lot of work in front of them. Veteran members of the team, such as Ani Soto (11) are “excited for the season ahead” and ready to watch the team improve and grow stronger with each practice. A team full of dedicated girls with a goal in front of them should be able to achieve anything if they put their minds to it. Though some may be new and barely learning to swing the club, the healthy team atmosphere being built by all the girls will create an environment of learning and improvement.
If you are looking for a new sport to play, golf is an excellent choice. Coach Chavez recommends “that anyone interested in the sport and with some extra free time” on their hands try out for next year to see what it’s all about. In a good player, he looks for someone with “determination, love for the sport, and a willingness to learn.” The girls will be working hard this year to defend their league title, but we will cheer them along throughout the season. Go Bears!
