Girls golf has only been a sanctioned sport since 2012, but the Skyline Eagles are building a solid program.

Assistant coach Kenneth James helps lead a team that brings back five players with varsity action under their belts. He hopes with their experience, talent and leadership that the Eagles will contend for region supremacy and make some noise at the 5A state meet, May 14–15 at Glenmoor in South Jordan. 

Senior Kate Taylor headlines the Skyline group of golfers. She placed second in region last season and begins her fourth year of varsity play. Right behind her is Claire Whisenant, sophomore. 

“We expect (Taylor) to compete for the region medalist and be a top 10 at state,” James said. “(Whisenant) had a good year last year. We expect improvement and would like her to be a top 10 in region.”

James expects a trio of other seniors will be among Skyline’s top performers. Zoe Kouris, Abby Clayton and Suzi Creveling each have three years of experience on team. Plus, James is counting on some younger players to improve and make the team even better.

“(Kouris, Clayton and Creveling) have all worked really hard, and we expect all three to be in the varsity lineup,” James said. “We have some good young players coming into the program and look forward to watching them compete and grow. For the first time in region, we will have eight varsity golfers compete, with the top six advancing to state.”

The Eagles will have plenty of competition in Region 6 and in Class 5A. James mentioned his region foes Murray, East, West, Olympus and Highland as having “full teams and good golfers.”

“We are in a very competitive region with every school having complete teams,” he said. “It should be really fun and competitive. We expect to compete for the region championship and advance to state. Girls golf is getting stronger, and there are some really good teams out there all trying to win the title.”

James said the team’s goals include winning region, advancing to state and finishing in the top five. He would love to help as many girls as possible reach the top 10 individually at the state tournament. 

“Our girls have been working really hard, hitting balls all through the winter; we believe that will pay off for us,” James said. “Each girl sets realistic goals on what she will shoot and strives to reach it every time out. Hopefully that number goes down as the season goes on. Our girls are super competitive and hard-working. They are very coachable and enjoy practice. I look forward to seeing them develop and grow. The season is barely started, so we have a long way to go. If we can get to state and get to the region championship with a chance to win, that is all we can ask.”

In addition to their efforts and accomplishments on the golf course, James praised the girls’ attitudes and work ethic. He said many of them excel in the classroom, serve in the community and play multiple sports at Skyline. 

“They are awesome to be around and are a joy to coach,” he said.