The Westside girls golf team has placed seconded in the state tournament making the girls state runners up. 

Head coach Jered Hellman talks about how he prepared the girls for such a big tournament. 

“The preparation for the state tournament starts in the off season.  The returning girls knew if we worked hard, created bonds with one another and believed in the process that we could accomplish our goals.”  Hellman said

Junior Lily Gutta talks about what she thinks her and her team accomplished this season. 

“The preparation for the state tournament starts in the off season.  The returning girls knew if we worked hard, created bonds with one another and believed in the process that we could accomplish our goals.” Gutta said. 

Team captain Addison Benge who individually placed seventh place talks about how she tried to support her teammates and lead them through the tournament. 

“I had faith and put a lot of trust in my teammates, most of us were playing our best golf so I trusted them and trusted that they knew what they were doing and how to handle the pressure,” Benge said. 

Team captain Sophia Martin who individually placed nineteenth talks about what this means for her as it’s her senior season.  

“ This was a huge win for Westside because the school has never gotten second and only one once. We were seeded four so a comeback was incredible.”  Martin said. 

Freshman Kendall Lauritzen talks about how prepared herself for such a big tournament. 

“ I prepared by practicing with a purpose and making sure that I was getting the sleep I needed to make sure I could perform the best I could.” 

 Coach Hellman talks about what the girls have accomplished this season to get to this spot. 

“ This team accomplished countless achievements.  Our JV girls won several events, we had the medalist at several tournaments and ultimately placed second at the state tournament, which is the highest finish since 1990-.  However, it is my belief that you cannot measure the success of a team based on results alone.  I look at the whole picture.  These girls finished the season playing their best golf, and every one of our 15 girls improved this season.  Lifelong friendships were created, bonds that will last a lifetime were fostered, and playing for more than yourself was instilled in these girls.  It is my hope that these girls learned that with hard work, dedication, Love, and passion, you can accomplish anything.  Nothing in life worth achieving is easy, and the girl’s journey this season had plenty of ups and downs. However, when the pressure was at the Ultimate level, these girls rose above their competition, relied on their training, believed in themselves and their teammates, and had one of the greatest comebacks in State History to earn the Runner-UP. “

Gutta talks about the importance of supporting your teammates during such a big tournament. 

“ To support my teammates during the tournament I tried to bring the best attitude I could have. I made sure that I would always be positive and uplifting. I always congratulated people and was so happy for others if they did something well. I overall just tried to be a good team player,”  Gutta said. 

Sophomore Chloe DiPrima talks how she will use not only her golf mindset but also her academic mindset to prepare her for next season. 

“ I will continue to be driven by the constant practices and workouts and make sure to read books that help my mindset.” 

Head coach Jered Hellman talks about what this means for the girls.

“It means everything to our Program.  We have continued to improve each season, 11th in 2022, 4th in 2023 and Runner-Up this year.  I preach hard work, dedication, Love, and passion for our program.  These core values have elevated our program to one of the best in the state and these girls deserve all of the credit.  This is our best finish since 1990, and adding a trophy to the Swede Center is a milestone accomplishment for our Girls!”  Hellman said. 

Benge talks about how she will prepare herself for her senior season. 

“ I know I am going to work hard this winter to come out and see how much more we can accomplish,” Benge said. 

The girls ended their season as state runner ups and will be back for more next season.