While swinging their way to glory, the Floyd Central girls’ golf team leaves crowds in awe, holding a record of 11 sectional championships. Their team captains make it their goal to keep their team’s legacy high and other opponents on their toes.
Although winning is a big part of any sport, more work goes into it. Not just physically, but mentally. A strong team that builds and thrives off each other’s hard work makes a win more memorable than anything else, and the girl’s golf team does just that.
“Leadership is a group person who is in charge and helps their team get better, motivates their team to help their minds, and if they have a bad shot just tell them to keep going. Everything is going to be okay in the end,” said Senior Chloe Cook.
Cook and fellow senior Paige Giovenco do just that to ensure the girls’ golf team gets the best out of their team and pushes their way to victory. Recently, Giovenco helped lead the team to a remarkable title in the Hall of Fame, shooting an even-par 72 at the Sunnyside Classic. Overall, the girls scored 324, placing them ninth.
“I have grown more consistent with my play and feel more confident that I will shoot good scores, my mentality on the course has gotten stronger and that is such an important factor in golf,” said Giovenco.
During this year, Giovenco and Cook have consistently placed within the top of golfers at every meet they’ve competed at. The team has also been dominant this year, with accolades such as a fourth place finish at the Fall State Preview, a second place finish at the Franklin Invite, a tied second place finish at the Trojan Classic, and the teams 12th straight sectional championship.
“We’ve been working so hard for this and it’s just so amazing to see what we can actually accomplish when we all come together. I think this is the most amazing team,”said Cook.
Both of the upperclassmen balance each other out, much like a good cop bad cop situation. Many of the underclassmen find that this helps them learn and stay tight as a team.
“Paige is a very good player, so just watching her and seeing how much work she has put into the sport is just amazing to witness. Chloe is always so kind to all of us. She balances two sports at once and does an amazing job at that. At the very beginning of the season Chloe made sure to ask all of the freshmen about themselves and really made us feel like we belong on the team,” said freshman Ava Koehler.
Cook and Giovenco are ranked top in the state, making them not only great competitors, but role models to all types of players. They once were in the shoes of the younger golfers though, and wouldn’t be in the position they are today without having that similar experience.
“I help give advice and grow their confidence. I was once just like them, so I understand how they feel. I want them to feel appreciated and confident,” said Giovenco.
Together Giovenco and Cook look to help underclassmen learn new techniques, and also stay mentally afloat when they mess up.
“I leave the bad shots behind me and do good on the next one. It has led me to push through things when they are hard,” said sophomore Presley Caple.
Many underclassmen, like Koehler, look up to the upperclassmen and hope to become great leaders like them.
“The jv season is now basically over and being finished with my freshman season was odd to me it was a big jump but i’m looking forward to next year as an older student to hopefully help the incoming freshman”
Using the leadership and skills learned throughout the the season, the Girls Golf team look to continue their run in the postseason tournament