This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
05/31/2023 07:50 AMForming a team that can thrive in competition under the most pressure-filled situations can often be difficult, especially when it comes to one that is brand new with a small circle of athletes in the mix. In its inaugural campaign, the Valley Regional girls’ golf team has certainly made quite an impact and has shot very highly for a first-year squad. The girls have garnered much more experience over the course of the previous two months, and the group of five has laid out the blueprint for a meteoric rise through the ranks in the coming seasons while coming together to forge bonds that will only bolster the young program’s hopes and aspirations.
Former Valley Regional High School Athletic Director Jeff Swan is at the helm for the Warriors as head coach in their initial drive as a group this spring. With over 25 years of coaching experience, Swan additionally coaches the boys’ golf squad alongside Scott Harger (who also assists on coaching the girls’ team).
Swan noted that while the girls are looking to continue to grow their passion for the game of golf through the summer, fall, and winter heading into 2024, the synergy of the small squad has certainly skyrocketed, with the Warriors swinging for the fairway and finding friendships along the way.
“Goals during the season for us heading into the offseason are to get more girls interested in playing golf next year and having the team continue playing golf after the season is finished,” said Swan. “This team has gelled together, and it is fun to watch them improve their game. They are ambitious, willing to learn, and want to enjoy this challenging game.”
Seniors Kendra Cika and Maddi Rice lead the charge this season for the Warriors as co-captains who played golf a year ago. Junior Cayden Willetts-Johnson, the No. 3 golfer within Valley’s lineup, is also a returning athlete to the tee.
“Kendra and Maddi bring experience, knowledge of the game, and a relaxing atmosphere on the long bus rides home,” said Swan. “Both captains are multi-sport players and have been captains on other teams throughout the season. Kendra was the captain on the school’s gymnastics team, while Maddi was a captain on the field hockey team.”
Willetts-Johnson, one of two juniors on the team along with Ella Brennenman, will be, “our leaders next year for the program,” per Swan. He added that the Warriors had an added sophomore spark from another competitor this campaign that will look to serve Valley well in the years ahead.
“Amelia Martinez, a sophomore, is a player to watch for the next few years,” said Swan. “This is her first year, however, she puts in a lot of time on the practice greens honing her skills.”
Within the regular season matchups this past spring, Valley first opened up with Hand on April 6 on the road at Madison Country Club, taking a 22-stroke loss by a 225-247 margin. Next, at the Warriors’ home course of Black Hall Golf Club a dozen days later on April 18, Valley suffered a little bit closer of a defeat against Norwich Free Academy, 232-249.
At Racebrook Country Club on the road to hosting Amity on April 19, the Warriors lost a 202-259 matchup. Valley finally found the winner’s circle as a club five days later in a return match with Hand at home with a thrilling 235-237 victory. Then, on April 25 against East Lyme as hosts again, the Warriors underwent an eight-stroke loss by a 244-252 final count.
In terms of the schedule for the 2023 postseason for Valley on the girls’ golf circuit, the Division II State Championship tournament will be held on Monday, June 5 at Tashua Knolls Golf Course with an 8:30 tee time for all the teams. Finally, the combined boys’ and girls’ golf State Open Championship will be held later that week on Saturday, June 10 at Black Hall Golf Club with a 1 p.m. start time.
2023 Valley Regional Girls’ Golf Team Regular Season Results and Schedule
April 6: Hand 225, Valley Regional 247
April 18: Norwich Free Academy 232, Valley Regional 249
April 19: Amity 202, Valley Regional 259
April 24: Valley Regional 235, Hand 237
April 25: East Lyme 244, Valley Regional 252
Monday, June 5: at Division II State Championship at Tashua Knolls Golf Course at 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, June 10: at State Open Championship at Black Hall Golf Club at 1 p.m.