The golf team is teeing up for the new season with anticipation and optimism running high. With a mix of returning and first-year players, the team is ready to take on the Jefferson district.

Junior Ava Garrison,  a third-year varsity golfer, is stepping into her new role as a leader.

 “I think it will be fun in a way to help the new people (to the team) improve,” Garrison said

As a scratch golfer (someone who plays a course with a handicap of zero) with a one-plus handicap, her goal is to maintain her strong performances throughout the season. 

“I want to shoot under par,” Garrison said. 

This year’s team is less experienced with eight first-year players, offering both challenges and opportunities. The veterans will work together to teach the new players new skills and have more chances to finish at the top of the table.

“This team’s growing and working well together, so that’s a big positive for that group,” Coach Chris Pearson said.

After last season’s 6-1 record, Pearson is focused on continuing the momentum. By giving the team helpful advice to improve in certain aspects of their game.

“Our goals are to build off last year’s success and stay competitive with the top teams in the district.” Pearson said.

Christopher Cantore, a first-year player on the team who’s been golfing for two years, wants to make the best of his first season. 

“My main goal is to get on one of the top teams and just shoot as best as I can,” Cantatore said. “I will try and get a nice score and shoot par.”

Sophomore Nadiya Jackson, a returning player, sees this season as a stepping stone for next season. Last season, she was shooting upper 40’s for nine holes, and her goal for this year is to go to the lower 40’s into the upper 30’s. 

“I  want to improve my scores and gain more experience across the different courses,” Jackson said. 

With their next match September 11 at Albemarle, it is still early in the season, the  golf team is excited to tee off the rest of the season. 

“I’m ready to take on all of the new challenges this season,” Jackson said.