Junior Becomes First Female Varsity Golfer

by Serena Richards

On a golf team surrounded by boys, one thing that really sticks out about this season besides its winning record is one of their newest players, Leah Bonner. She is now the first girl on the golf team to ever play in a varsity match.

Even though she is new to Hudson’s team, she is not new to the sport. Bonner has been playing golf, on and off, since she was three. “I’ve always wanted to play, but I was always nervous to play with the guys,” Bonner explained. 

However, after making the team, that fear subsided.

“It’s interesting because they’re all guys, and they all mess around with each other,”  Bonner said. “They’re all nice and treat me really respectful. They’re just fun to be with. It doesn’t get awkward.”

Besides being nervous about how the team dynamic would play out, Bonner was also nervous about making the team due to cuts.

But Bonner’s coach, Michael Notaro, saw her as a fit for the team saying, “It was kind of exciting to see Leah try out. It was good for the program and good for her.”

Notaro and Bonner both agree that she has greatly improved throughout the season.

“At the beginning, I think she was a little bit nervous playing with all the boys. But as she settled down, you could see her swing and everything about her game improve,” Notaro said.

Not only has her nerves settled, but her play has too. She started off her season shooting a 62 for nine holes, but at their most recent match she shot 52.

It was easy for Bonner to transition into golf this year. She had tried to play field hockey last year, but her coach would always say she had a swing like a golfer. That is why in Bonner’s junior year she decided it was the right time to make the switch.

Though she has performed well through the season, Bonner still talks about how she can improve. “My biggest struggle is hitting the same distance as the guys because I’m not as strong as them, and I have to hit it from the same place.”

Nevertheless, Bonner and Notaro were quite proud of her season. “If I could describe her in two words, it would be competitive and heart,” Notaro said.

Bonner went from making the team and being pulled up for varsity matches to winning leagues. Her season has been full of highlights.  

After her positive experience, Bonner advises, “I’d honestly say go out and do it if you want to do it because it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I don’t regret it at all.”