With five spring sports in full swing, it can be easy to overlook smaller, less visible programs like girls golf. At Coronado, the girls golf team is one of the least well-known spring sports, largely because it is one of the few teams that does not practice on campus.
Instead, the team practices at a variety of locations, including Kissing Camels Golf Course and Topgolf. Mackenzie Helton, Class of 2026, explains that the team typically has two types of practices: “Some days we will just go play and keep track of how we are playing, and other days we will spend time putting and chipping before going to the driving range.” Because they have multiple places to practice, it helps the girls refine their skills in different areas.
Despite practicing off-campus, the team stays connected and growing. When asked about the season, Helton said, “This season is going great! I’ve been having a lot of fun connecting with my team on the course.”
This year’s team consists of ten members, including three dedicated seniors: Jessie Weeks, Mackenzie Helton, and Dylan MacNamee, as highlighted by Coach Kelly Hodge. Throughout the season, the team competes in tournaments where players face off against two or three golfers from other schools, aiming to earn the lowest score over an 18-hole course.
In previous years, the season concluded with a regional tournament that determined which players advanced to state. However, this year, CHSAA will select state qualifiers by calculating the lowest scoring averages across all schools within each classification (such as 3A or 4A). According to Coach Hodge, senior Jessie Weeks has a strong chance of qualifying for state under this new system.
Although the team has improved over the years, they often finish in the middle of the standings, which can result in smaller crowds at their tournaments. To increase support, the seniors have been promoting the team through platforms such as the Coronado Athletics page and the team’s Instagram account. Information about the team’s full schedule can be found on the CSML league page or the Coronado Athletics website.
Like all sports, the girls golf team deserves support from their peers. Their final tournament before state will take place at Valley High Golf Course on Monday, April 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Attending is a great way to show school spirit and recognize the team’s hard work throughout the season.
