Athens Drive Womens golf has been successful over the years, carrying a three-year regional lead and two State Champion titles in the past five years. The titles branched from former Coach Tony Alcon, a former math teacher from Athens. Alcon coached for the past 11 years before retiring last year. Dave Snyder has taken over this year and filled the spot of Alcon. Snyder has a history of golf knowledge and skill which has helped the team finish strong at the closing of the season.

“Coach Snyder has really helped influence us to get better because he is a certified golf professional at Lochmere and has really helped us better understand the game,” said Lexie Johnston, junior co-captain.

As the season has come to the end, the Athens golf team has done their best to excel in all areas of the sport.  Last year, the golfers came in ninth place out of twenty two teams, but this year they moved into third place in conference

“We have really improved this year compared to last year and we have a really good coach cheering us on,” said Emilia Migliaccio, freshman golfer.

Although Athens lost their coach, they have gained many new players. This year the team had six new members join the team, three juniors and three freshmen.

“I was really surprised by all the girls we had on the team this year, especially with losing so many seniors and our coach, so we weren’t sure if we would even have a coach or a golf team,” said Johnston.

One of the freshmen that joined, Migliaccio, is leading the Athens team with a score average of 34.6. She is representing the Lady Jags in the State finals after winning first place in regionals.

According to the golfers, they have put in a lot more work this year to improve their game. The girls worked over the summer and had many more successful practices.

Along with improving their game by practicing, the girls have had many team bonding events; such as, team dinners and celebrated birthdays.

“Being a team captain this year with Jackie (Wallace, senior), we have really tried to be there for the girls to help them on and off the field,” said Johnston.

As the team works to reach first place for next year, they will also continue to work to be even more of a family.

“I became closer with people I never knew I would, and no matter what happens your team is who you have to fall back on in the end so it is really important,” said Jenna Hiscock, junior golfer.