Mountain Lakes High School has a multitude of different sports teams ranging from cross-country to lacrosse with both boys and girls teams. However, one team in particular that had been excluded from the division of teams was the golf team. After hearing about this and then the formation of the girls’ individual team, I decided to interview the founders about their newest team and how it has progressed!
The Beginning
Emily Samay, Manasvi Shah, and Olivia Manchand had been playing on the co-ed golf team when they realized that they weren’t getting the playing time they deserved on a co-ed team due to the boys’ physical capabilities to beat the other boys. After going to a match that had both boys’ and girls’ teams competing, they realized that there are other girl teams that are separate from the boys. This inspired them to start advocating for their own. The first step they took was to go to the administration, starting with Ms. Cortese. They were then told to gather a group of girls who would be interested in participating to see if they would have an actual team as the requirement to start it was at least ten girls. They ended up getting a full roster with 25 girls. The last step was getting a coach and advisor for the new team. Thankfully, Ms. Fiorina volunteered to help the team and has been “a huge supporter.” Ms. Fiorina has a daughter who is a golf commit and when she heard of the girls’ team needs she jumped right in to help. Samay, Shah, and Manchand are all extremely grateful for all of her guidance and support.
The Team Today
Now that they have their own separate team, the three stated that more people are showing interest as they are more comfortable participating. Oftentimes the girls would be intimidated to go to practices and learn to golf in fear of appearing stupid. However, now that the girls have their own team and practices, they are able to participate and learn. Samay, Manchand, and Shah stated that the environment in the team is much more relaxed and overall just better with their own team. They have been able to form bonds in the team that were more difficult to do with the boys.
I think it’s just much more fun.”
Olivia Manchand
For practices, the girls’ team often goes outside to practice chipping and work at the driving range for distance and accuracy. Samay also reported that the girls on the team will often go to play together outside of practice which didn’t happen often before the formation of the team because the girls didn’t know who to play with. Additionally, more girls are coming out to learn how to play in general. The three stated that the new team created a safe space where the best and the newest golfers can go to improve and have fun together.
It’s just a bond that we have that we didn’t before.”
Emily Samay
Continuing The Streak: 3-0
After their first three matches the team already has a record of 3-0 and it is bound to continue. The first match versus Villa Walsh had a large margin with a score of 136 to 150. The second match versus Pequannock had a score of 238 to 247 and the most recent match taking place on April 19th versus Madison was 208 to 210.
Golf is a life sport… it’s a really good sport to build relationships.”
Manasvi Shah
A special thanks to Coach Fiorina for all her help in making the team possible from Emily, Manasvi, and Olivia! To any girl who is remotely interested in learning golf or wants to pick up a new hobby, check out the golf team!
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