Written By Samantha Reed, Staff Writer
The girls golf team has wrapped up a great season filled with dedication, teamwork, and consistent improvement on the course.
The girls golf team concluded a great season highlighted by outstanding performances, steady improvement, and notable postseason achievements. Consistency and focus defined their year as several players earned top individual finishes and helped elevate the program’s overall standing within the league. Edison Kanatzar (10), Kennedy Otubuah (10), Katherine Salazar (9), and Haley Garrett (9) each secured a place in the league’s top ten, advancing to League Finals after a series of strong rounds that showcased their composure and competitive edge. Edison’s performance throughout the season set a high standard, earning her title of League MVP and further establishing Poly as a respected contender on the course.
Guided by disciplined preparation and a collective drive to improve, the team demonstrated excellence under pressure and a clear understanding of the game’s mental and technical demands. From early practices to the final holes of competition, each athlete contributed to a season built on precision, teamwork, and growth. Edison and Kathrine advanced beyond League Finals, representing Poly with professionalism and skill as the team capped one of its strongest years to date.
Sophomore Edison Kanatzar described golf as a sport that challenges both focus and patience, setting it apart from her past experiences. She explained that unlike club volleyball, which she once played competitively, golf “is about patience and thinking, and not a lot of other sports are like that.” Reflecting on the season, she said her favorite part was “seeing everyone improve their game” and feeling grateful to have met “so many new girls” while being “a part of their life, even if it’s been for only one season.” When facing a difficult round, Edison finds motivation by thinking of her grandfather, who has coached her for twelve years and remains her biggest inspiration. “He’s who I look up to, so I try to make him as proud of me as I can,” she said. Before matches, she listens to heavy and nu metal music to get in the right mindset. Looking ahead, Edison said she’s most excited “to just play with a team again” and to welcome “any new girls trying out for the team.”
Junior Olivia McPherson reflected on a season filled with growth, focus, and optimism. Her favorite memory from the year was participating in the Homecoming Parade with her teammates, a moment that strengthened their bond beyond the course. She said the most challenging round came at Temecula Creek Inn, explaining that it was a new course for her and “one of the worst scores [she] had this season” because “[she] wasn’t sure about where to aim some shots.” After last season, Olivia committed to taking her game more seriously, spending her summer at the driving range every day to refine her swing mechanics. “I feel like I’ve had better shots this season,” she said. “I now hit further and know how to get out of a pickle better than I did last year.” What Olivia values most about golf is the closeness of the team, noting that unlike track, where there are too many athletes to connect with, golf allows her to build strong, personal, relationships. “With a team of 15 girls, you really get to know them and can become really close,” she shared. Describing her season in one word, Olivia chose optimism. “This season, I really tried to stay positive and stay calm when I was having an off day, which helped me be able to come back a bit from the bad days,” she said. “I just started trusting that I can do anything, and that God is with me through the good and bad. It helped me mentally stay in the game because once you get in your head in golf, it is nearly impossible to not play well.”
Sophomore Kennedy Otubuah reflected on a season filled with focus, laughter, and school pride. She said that “something that always makes our team laugh is a good inside joke or a voice impression,” these are moments that keep the team’s energy light even during competition. Describing the team’s overall atmosphere, she noted that it was “very focused but also very positive and energetic,” a balance that helped them perform well throughout the season. One of her favorite parts of tournaments is meeting new people. She enjoys “meeting other golfers from other schools and getting a ton of snacks.” Kennedy is currently working to improve her driver shot as she continues to refine her skills and consistency. Above all, what she values most is representing her school with pride. “My favorite thing about competing for Poly is being able to show our school’s excellence through a sport I love,” she said.
The girls golf team’s season showcased growth, discipline, and teamwork. Each player contributed in her own way through leadership, optimism, and school pride, helping define one of Poly’s strongest years yet. Beyond the scores, the team proved that success comes from focus, unity, and love for the game. As they look ahead, their dedication continues to reflect the pride and excellence of Poly athletics!