Skyline Girls’ Golf had a pure drive, as they finished 10-3 in their regular season and ended 3rd overall in the conference.
Five golfers qualified for states, for the second time in program history: Vedha Kakarla (‘26) ranked top 100 individually in the state, Suriya Ailawadi (‘27) ranked in the top 75, and Olivia Housler (‘28) ranked 2nd in SEC championship points and ranked 19th overall.
This season, the program was not solely focused on improving golf skills, but also on making a community. “It felt good being a part of the team, due to the positivity and everyone wanting to work hard to win matches and knowing that you can do things outside of golf with the team,” said Kennedy Wassef (‘26). “[My favorite moment was] definitely making it to states as a team and team dinner.”
The team had many great talents, especially from the senior class. “The season went pretty well overall,” said Kakarla. “It was my last season, so I was sad for it to end. I love the girls on the team, so I’m happy to have been a part of it. My favorite moment was probably when I got a hole-in-one at Eagle Crest.”
Although the season had its ups and downs, the players on the team can still look back with a smile. “The season didn’t go as well as I’d hoped, but it was still enjoyable,” said Lia Chung (‘26). “The team was really close this year, and ending my last season with them was really fun. My favorite moment during the season was during the last SEC 18-hole tournament when my push cart and putter both broke. Even though it really messed up my round, it’s funny to look back on that situation and laugh.”
The girls had a good season not just because of their raw talent, but also because of inspired coaching from Mary Packard and Melissa Schmidt. Coach Schmidt was voted D1 Region 2 Coach of the Year.
“[My favorite moment was] when the team qualified for states!” said coach Mary Packard. “The biggest improvement for the team overall was when they all came together and supported each other through the season and [supported] the golfers going to States.”
