Passion the key to Breaker girls

Mike Sciacca

Barbara Williams enters her first year as head coach of the girls’

golf team at Laguna Beach High with a admirable goal.

“I want to expose each girl to the great gifts of patience and

integrity which golf demands,” Williams said. “As an LPGA golf

professional, tour player and former high school athlete, I can

clearly remember learning about like goals, successes and what

education combined with fitness, can do for personal growth.”

Williams is looking to help Laguna’s program blossom into one of

stability and pride.

For the past three years, the school has won a total of one match

in Pacific Coast League play.

“This team is composed of five girls who have never played golf in

their lives, and three girls who have never played golf, other than

for Laguna Beach High in the fall the past few years,” Williams said.

“The other four players have played golf less than once a month,

annually, as they are knowledgeable but busy with other activities.”

Returning players from 2003 include seniors Meredith Nilsen and

Katy Manee, juniors Hannah Thames, Brianna Samia, Jessica Heitel and

Aisha Hakim and sophomores Natalie Fraire and Sasha Speare.

“I consider several of these girls to be candidates for all-league

selection,” Williams said.

Newcomers to the squad include incoming freshmen Aedan Arko,

Taylor LaBarbera, Grace Stewart, Caitlin Barretto, Shannon Sweeney,

Chelsea Lauwereins, Kristen Herbert and Mia Pirillo.

“The strength of our team lines in their passion for the game and

how much fun golf can be at every level,” Williams said. “These girls

truly enjoy every practice and are very focused on improving their

skill level. Our weakness, of course, is our inexperience. We see

this as a challenge to grow, to build and to bring a new enthusiasm

to Laguna Beach with our program.

“I am lucky to love my life as a coach and a golf teacher and

being part of the Laguna Beach community truly feels like I have been

rewarded for my efforts.”