Grace Reilly ’19: Golf has been a part of Marykate Chambers’ life for quite a while as she has played since she was nine years old. Now a junior in highschool, Chambers is almost finished her third season on the girl’s varsity golf team at Episcopal. As an experienced player, Chambers has played a vital role on the golf team this season.
“She has a great disposition for golf: she combines a competitive spirit, a calm demeanor, and high level of focus. She enjoys the continuous challenge to improve her skills and lower her scores. In matches, her attention centers on her game and managing the course,” says girls’ golf coach Kim Farrell. This current season, in particular, Chambers has played exceptionally well. She has had the lowest score in two of the team’s matches and has lowered her personal scoring average by three strokes. Chambers will also be one of five girls on the team who will be competing on the first annual PAISAA tournament team. “She has been a vital player this year,” says the team captain Lexi Rider ‘17, “consistently working to beat her score from the previous match. Her scores and positive attitude helped the team immensely in reaching our goals this season.”
In the off season, Chambers plays on the weekends and this year was able to play in Arizona over spring break before the competitive golf season started. She also participated in local junior tournaments. Coach Kim Farrell comments, “[These] efforts have shown dividends this season.”
She was introduced to the sport because she enjoyed driving the golf carts and eating the free goldfish and pretzels at the course while her brother played. Eight years later, Chambers still enjoys golf for multiple reasons. “I like that golf isn’t particularly a very tough physical sport. [It] is a sport that requires skill and challenges you mentally. One of the best parts of golf is being able to see yourself improve as an individual,” says Chambers.
Chambers is also on the Field Hockey team and runs with the Winter Track team as well. Regina Buggy, the head Field Hockey Coach and Director of Athletics, describes Chambers as a “high energy, hard working, and determined athlete.” She commends the athlete for her constant and significant improvement each season and credits it to her willingness to work hard in practice. “In games, she is a fearless competitor and someone who rises to the challenge,” Buggy says.
Episcopal’s Girls Golf team has had a successful season. The team has had several players break their personal records as well as the school record. The 2016 season had an impressive overall score of 223, but this year the team broke it in two matches with scores of 213 and 220. “As the league continues to become more competitive, I am excited for EA to be in the mix with the top teams. We are fortunate to have more experience and depth not only this season but returning next year as well. Breaking our scoring record by ten strokes is a commendable accomplishment by our players this year. Having six players already qualified for Individual Champs is also a program first. Being committed to golfing in the off season will be key in keeping our positive momentum rolling,” says Farrell.