As the Mt. SAC Women's Golf team prepares to tee off for the 2024 season, Head Coach Art Guevara is excited to build on the remarkable achievements from the previous year. After an outstanding season that saw the team dominate the conference and reach the state championship for the first time since 2005, Guevara and his golfers are eager to continue their success. "Last year we got second in the state, and it was a dream come true," Coach Guevara says. "The team was fantastic, everyone got along, and I'm hoping to relive that again this year."
The Mounties have three key returning players: Kylie Lau, who earned All-Conference honors and a third-place finish at the state championship, Alana Lo, who is set to make a strong comeback after missing the state championship last year due to an injury, and Natalie Neal, who adds valuable experience and depth to the team.
This season, the team welcomes freshman Kaitlyn Wang, who recently decided to join the Mounties after graduating from Diamond Bar High School. Also joining the team is sophomore Sophia Miller, a highly regarded player transferring from Fullerton College. Coach Guevara describes her as the "missing link" that will elevate the team to the next level. Newcomers Julissa Garcia and Evangeline Rodriguez add further talent, while Assistant Coach Chris from Fullerton College brings his expertise to the coaching staff.
The team has been preparing for the season with practice sessions at El Prado Golf Course and by playing courses featured in their conference championship regionals. "We've been working hard and playing as many 18-hold rounds as we can," Guevara says.
Guevara's goal for the season is clear: to win the state championship. "We already have a track record," Guevara explains. "We proved it last year, so it's just a matter of making things happen this year." He talks about how the team is already well put together with talent, skill and leadership. "I'm excited to see them, especially my sophomores, hoist that trophy and know that they were part of something special."
Reflecting on last season's accolade as Women's Golf Coach of the Year for the Orange Coast Conference, Guevara credits his team for the honor. "It was definitely the team that made it happen and I appreciate it so much," he notes. "That was one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me at Mt. SAC, besides getting the head coach job for the men's and women's teams." He hopes that increased positive exposure for the program will help attract more recruits in the future.
This year, Guevara has named all three returning sophomores, Kylie Lau, Alana Lo and Natalie Neal, as co-captains. "It was impossible to choose between the three from last year," he states. "They all played such an important role, and their leadership and teamwork are invaluable."
With a roster of seven talented players, the team is well-positioned for success. Kylie Lau appreciates the close-knit nature of the group. "Being a smaller team makes it easier to build bonds, communicate openly, and grow closer together," she says.
The season begins on Monday, September 9, with their first tournament at Soboba Springs Golf Course, hosted by Mount San Jacinto. The Mounties are set to face their toughest competition, Cuyamaca College, in this opening invitational.
With a blend of returning talent and promising new additions, the small but mighty Mt. SAC Women's Golf Team is ready to chase their championship dreams.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.