LADY GOLFERS JUMP FOR JOY AT ARDREY KELL

By Jen Rosene, Ardrey Kell High School

2008 created tons of opportunity, followed by an extraordinary amount of success for the Ardrey Kell High School women’s golf team. With an overall team record of 26 wins and 9 losses, there was a lot to be proud of when all was said and done. “One of our goals this year was to begin the process of building a program that the girls, their parents, the school and community could be proud of. It was great to see how this team came together, represented themselves and competed” said head Coach Bart Whitney.

The postseason brought even more success to the ladies golf team. After finishing second in the Regional Tournament, the team was automatically qualified for the State Tournament in Pinehurst. This was the team’s first entry into States as a team, and they made quite a showing finishing in seventh place among the 14 teams in attendance. Junior, and one of this years team captains Elizabeth Daily, described her thoughts on this season’s success. “This year we had eight girls that were very dedicated to the program. We also had tons of community support which helped us tremendously. We could not have achieved what we did without all of the support we received throughout the year”.

Individual efforts certainly did not go unnoticed this season. Sophomore Allison Emery was the Medalist (lowest 9-hole score) in every regular season match. She led the team by finishing third in the regional tournament, ultimately taking the individual state championship at the Pinehurst #1 course by shooting 76 and 75 in extremely cold and windy weather. “It really meant a lot to be a state champion” said Emery. “I was very proud of the team and of all the support they showed throughout the year” she added. Junior Lauren Steele and sophomore Elisha Zhang also qualified to play at Pinehurst. Lexi Flores was awarded Most Improved Player while Jackie Sautter received the Coaches Award.            

The community also played a big part in this season’s success for the girls. The team loves its home course, Providence Country Club, and the many great supporters of the program there. Having the chance to play more golf was also extremely important to this years goals and Ballantyne Country Club was exceedingly generous by allowing the girls to practice and play on Thursday afternoons. A great relationship was also established this year with Julie Cole at the Dana Rader Golf School. Not only did that relationship provide an opportunity to hold Friday practices, but the girls were able to learn from a true professional who has competed, and won, on an international level. Another relationship was forged with Apex Performance where the girls learned how to mentally get in the zone. Meredith Quimby, of Quimby & Collins Orthodontics, was a collegiate golfer at UNC Chapel Hill and has become another wonderful supporter of, and role model for, the program.

“We want the community to feel like this is a team of girls they can identify with, that they want to have succeed on and off the golf course. We hope this vision is becoming a reality” says Coach Whitney. This year’s success would not have been possible without the enormous amount of support the team received from the community, and they are truly thankful for each and every ounce of generosity.

2009 could be even more promising for the Ardrey Kell Women’s Golf Team. The team will lose two players to graduation, although Coach Whitney expects to see some new faces next year. “I’ve heard about girls at AKHS reconsidering their fall sports choice which is exciting. Add to the mix talented 8th graders who will be at AKHS next year, and the future looks very, very bright”. This year’s group of girls had a lot of fun but at the same time demonstrated their competitive spirit. “Those wanting to be on the team next year need to continue to improve their game” says Coach Whitney.

It is amazing what this group of girls has been able to achieve in a fairly new program. With continued community support and dedication, look for this team to be even stronger in the years to come. The Ardrey Kell family is very proud of these young ladies and the accomplishments they have been able to achieve this year. “We are so excited for this year’s golf team. Coach Bart Whitney did an outstanding job of building this team in its third year into state prominence. To have an NCHSAA State Individual Champion and sending three team members to states, speaks highly of this year’s team of eight golfers and their competitiveness” said Ardrey Kell’s athletic director Cheryl Feeney.

The South Charlotte Sports Report would like to congratulate the Ardrey Kell Women’s Golf Team for all of its success this year. Keep up the hard work ladies!