The Smoke Signal

By Staff Writers Anandita Devata & Waylon Li

After placing first in the MVAL Championships, MSJ Girls Golf’s efforts paid off as they won the NCS Girls’ Golf Division 1 Championship for the first time since 2012. Led by Girls Golf Coach Tai Chung, the team even defeated Monte Vista High School, which is ranked first in the nation. On November 16, Sophomore Michelle Woo and Senior Selena Tang attended the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Championship in Pasadena, placing second and 20th at the tournament.

The team’s exceptional talent and experienced players contributed to their recent success. Co-Captain Senior Audrey Wang placed first in the NCS individual tournament with a score of -3, defeating more than 40 internationally ranked players in the process. In addition, five of the team’s varsity players received All-League honors. “Leading our golf team to NCS this year was something special,” Wang said. “Even at the beginning of the season, we knew that we had a special group of girls and that we’d make it far.”

In addition to the players’ individual talent, their overall chemistry and leadership contributed to their success as a whole. Apart from extensive training, the team incorporated several bonding events to improve their camaraderie. Wang, Co-Captain Junior Akshaya Ramakrishnan, and Co-Captain Senior Erika Gosti implemented traditions such as hosting a Maze Day booth and other golf team traditions. to help the team grow closer together and support each other throughout the season. The increased connections helped them overcome the many challenges in the season and long run of losses. “The players took the initiative to step up and fill voids that presented themselves throughout the season,” Chung said.

Despite the win at NCS, the team knew its season was not over, and prepared for the CIF State Championship. Weekly practice rounds and team meetings to discuss strategy pushed the players to their limits, resulting in victories at the championship. “Everyone was super dedicated,” Wang said. “We knew what it took [to win the championships] and we did it.”

After these historic accomplishments, the team looks forward to another great season next year led by new captains Ramakrishnan, Woo, and Junior Aanya Batra. The team hopes to keep up its efforts and win back-to-back titles. “It was an amazing ride and I couldn’t be prouder,” Chung said.