For the first time, Kent’s girls varsity golf team is competing as its own program. Only in their second year of existence, they are already thriving.

Head coach Ms. Fogel, who is new to Kent this year and coaching golf for the first time, says the experience has been “amazing.”

“The team is incredible,” Ms. Fogel said. “They’re such a wonderful group of girls. I kind of feel like they barely need me.”

While Ms. Fogel jokes that her main role is bringing snacks and sunscreen in a “mom bag,” the players have taken ownership of their new program. That’s a big shift from previous years, when girls at Kent played as a part of the boys’ team. “Having their own true team has felt really amazing,” she said. 

The girls are still pushing for equal treatment, sometimes competing for tee times and course space against the boys JV team, even though the girls are varsity. “We shouldn’t always be second,” Ms. Fogel said. “I’m not afraid to remind people of that.”

Captains and leaders have emerged to help as well. Ms. Fogel pointed to Morgan as a “huge advocate”, while April leads quietly by example as the team’s best golfer. “Together they balance each other out,” Ms. Fogel said. “The girls feel pretty heard and supported.”

With several seniors graduating after this season, Ms. Fogel has a message for any underclassmen or newcomers thinking about joining. 

“If you’re interested at all, it’s something you should consider pursuing,” she said. “Gold is a lifetime sport. And as a young woman, it can open doors for you.”

She added that the team has a wide range of abilities, so new players shouldn’t be intimidated. The team currently has 12 girls, making for a close-knit group. 

“It’s a relatively small team, which is really nice,” Ms. Fogel said. 

The team now prepares for Founder’s, where the team will carry that same fight and camaraderie onto the course. Best of luck to Ms. Fogel and the entire team.