Herndon Girls Golf builds a new team
by Coach Reid Kiser
Herndon High School launched its first girls varsity golf team this season, bringing nine players together to build a program from the ground up and introduce more young women to a sport they can enjoy for a lifetime.
My daughter, Addison Kiser, a junior, helped recruit players from other sports to join the team. Her enthusiasm also renewed my own connection to golf and inspired me to help create an opportunity for girls at Herndon.
The team includes seniors Ashley Shea and Samara O’Byrne; juniors Addison Kiser, Samantha Culver, Fiona Gallardo, Noelle Peter and Aubrey Fineberg; and freshman Prisha Sharma. Most had never owned golf clubs before last summer. Prisha was among those learning the game, while Addison and Samara brought some experience from their participation in the Junior PGA program.
Addison developed into one of the team's strongest players, regularly shooting in the low to mid-40s over nine holes. She qualified for the Zone 4(A) qualifier for the Virginia High School League Girls Open State Championship but did not advance. Five players, including both seniors, competed in more than three nine-hole matches and at least one 18-hole tournament. They are the first girls on the team to earn varsity letters.
The season has shown how much room there is to grow the program. Both seniors said they wished they had tried golf earlier in high school. Reaching girls in middle school and during their freshman year will be important to building a lasting team. My goal is to attract eight to 12 players each year.
Golf presents some unique challenges for girls in high school. The VHSL designates team golf as a coed sport, and most teams are made up primarily of boys. Addison and Samara initially hesitated to try out when they saw that about 30 boys were competing. Establishing an all-girls team gave them and other players a more comfortable way to get started. I hope our team will continue to grow and eventually compete successfully in the coed format.
Herndon Centennial Golf Course and Hidden Creek Country Club provided places for the team to practice and play. The players practiced or competed four days a week, with guidance from Jeff Culver and Claudine O’Byrne. Coed golf coach Chad Collie and assistant coaches Dan Lombardozi, Tyler Butler and Joseph Griffin shared their experience and helped the players develop their skills.
I am working with South Lakes High School coach Kevin Anderson to expand opportunities for girls golf in the area. More participation at both schools could help build interest and create a stronger foundation for the sport.
This first season has been about more than scores and tournament results. It has given girls a chance to try something new, gain confidence and discover a sport they can continue playing long after high school. We hope the team will keep growing and that more Herndon girls will see golf as a sport they can call their own.
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