This year, marked a historic moment for Riordan Girls Golf. The 13-member team has officially become the first varsity girls golf team in all of Riordan history. Girls Golf has already competed in several matches this season and has made huge strides towards improving the individual and team strength and attitude.
As a no-cut team this year, the main focus of the season will be to welcome beginners and improve their overall confidence and skill in the sport.
Returning coach Abe Paranal ’95 wants his team to not just focus on winning, but also acknowledge the immense amount of integrity and respect that is necessary for golf.
“Golf is not always about hitting your driver straight and far, or making 8-foot putts for birdie. It’s about being a good playing partner by acknowledging other golfers’ good shots and helping them locate their ball when walking down the fairway.”
In addition, the team has competed in an 18-hole Jamboree, which was far less pressure and a better way to grow as a team and connect with other coaches and golfers. These events provide ways for new members to build confidence.
Players like Olivia Veroy ’27 and Aymberley Hamilton-West ’26 have grown tremendously over the past year and serve as inspiration to these new players. Veroy has shown improvement by consistently scoring low and even getting her first birdie in the match against St. Francis.
Hamilton-West shows a newfound dedication following her decision to let go of other commitments to focus on golf.
This year, Hamilton-West has shown the necessary leadership that drives the Girls Varsity Golf team.
She explained that though it has been a tougher season this year, she is “very proud of the team to be able to hold it together and continue playing. Most of our opponents have been challenging, but nothing a little more practice and dedication can’t fix!”
The bond that has held together this team is an amazing reflection of Riordan’s spirit and the sport of golf. This season has shown true perseverance, and it has clearly taken a lot of work to get to this point.
